went for the jugular
Aimed to destroy
Went for the jugular means attacked at the most vulnerable point, aiming to defeat or destroy decisively.
The jugular vein in the neck is where predators target prey for a killing bite.
The phrase describes aggressive tactics in arguments, negotiations, or competition: When the witness contradicted himself, the lawyer went for the jugular.
- huntPursuit of quarry
- attackAggressive act against another
- Achilles' heelCritical personal weakness
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- bare knuckleWithout protective hand coverings
stalk · soft spot · assault · go for broke · ambush · killer instinct · kill · low blow · hit below the belt · confrontation · fight dirty · ferocity · pounce · go for the kill · take no prisoners · no holds barred · predator · blood in the water
went for the jugularheld back
Kept from advancing
took it easy · let off the hook · handled with kid gloves · soft-pedaled · played nice
went for the jugularbacked down
Retreated from a position
backed off · made peace · buried the hatchet · walked away · de-escalated
went for the jugularspared
Refrained from harming
let off the hook · cut some slack · eased up · relented · forgave