off with someone's head

English

Etymology

From the common use in past times of decapitation as a method of execution for prominent persons.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈɒf wɪð ˈsʌmwənz ˈhɛd/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈɔf wɪθ ˈsʌmwənz ˈhɛd/

Phrase

off with someone's head

1. (usually humorous) Used to express a desire to kill the person in question.

   Some nerve! Off with their heads! shouted the master of ceremonies with mock ferocity, while the audience laughed.

   • 1866, Lewis Carroll, “Chapter 8: The Queen's Croquet-Ground”, in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland‎^[1], Macmillan and Company:

     "I see!" said the Queen, who had meanwhile been examining the roses. "Off with their heads!" and the procession moved on, three of the soldiers remaining behind to execute the unfortunate gardeners, who ran to Alice for protection. "You shan't be beheaded!" said Alice, and she put them into a large flower-pot that stood near.

Related terms

• have someone's head
• heads will roll