fall on one's sword
phrase
: to sacrifice one's pride or position
The coach fell on his sword apologizing for the team's poor season.
Cite this Entry
“Fall on one's sword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20on%20one%27s%20sword. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
