scythe down
To cut down or knock over a lot of people or things very quickly, like cutting grass with a big curved blade
Meanings
To cut down crops, grass, or plants using a scythe in a sweeping motion
"The farmhands scythed down the tall grass along the edge of the field."
(Figurative) To kill, injure, or eliminate many people rapidly and indiscriminately, often in a war or attack
"The machine gun fire scythed down the advancing soldiers before they could reach the trench."
"Disease scythed down the population."
(Sports journalism) To knock a player off their feet with a strong, sweeping tackle or challenge
"The defender scythed down the winger in the penalty area and conceded a penalty."
Both literal (using a scythe to cut grass or crops) and figurative (killing or eliminating many people or things rapidly). The figurative use is common in journalism and literary writing to describe mass casualties or overwhelming victories. Evokes the image of Death holding a scythe.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "scythe down" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "scythe down" on Looplines