What does “Death of a thousand cuts” mean?
"Death of a thousand cuts" means the slow and gradual process of causing harm or damage, often through a series of small actions or events.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The company's financial troubles were a result of a death of a thousand cuts.
Example
Their relationship ended due to a death of a thousand cuts - small disagreements that built up over time.
Example
The team's loss was a result of a death of a thousand cuts - small mistakes that added up throughout the game
Is “Death of a thousand cuts” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Death of a thousand cuts” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Death of a thousand cuts” effectively in context?
You can use "Death of a thousand cuts" to describe a situation where harm or damage is caused gradually through a series of small actions or events. It emphasizes the cumulative effect of these small actions or events. For example, if someone asks why a company is facing financial troubles, you could say, 'It's not one big mistake, but rather a "death of a thousand cuts" - a series of small missteps that have added up over time.'
- 1Business
The company's financial troubles were a result of a death of a thousand cuts - small disagreements that built up over time.
- 2Relationships
Their relationship ended due to a death of a thousand cuts - small disagreements that built up over time.
- 3Sports
The team's loss was a result of a death of a thousand cuts - small mistakes that added up throughout the game.
Similar phrases to “Death of a thousand cuts”:
Slow and steady wins the race
Success comes from consistent and persistent effort over time.
Example
He may not be the fastest, but he believes in the principle of slow and steady wins the race.
Paper cut
A small, seemingly insignificant injury or problem that can be surprisingly painful or troublesome.
Example
Dealing with paperwork can be like getting a paper cut - it's a small annoyance, but it adds up.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Death of a thousand cuts” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Death of a thousand cuts" can be traced back to ancient China. It refers to a form of torture called 'lingchi' or 'slow slicing,' where the victim would be subjected to numerous small cuts over an extended period of time, leading to a slow and agonizing death.
Is “Death of a thousand cuts” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Death of a thousand cuts" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts to convey the idea of gradual harm or damage.
What tone does “Death of a thousand cuts” have?
"Death of a thousand cuts" conveys a tone of gradual and cumulative harm. It suggests a slow and painful process of deterioration or decline.
Can “Death of a thousand cuts” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Death of a thousand cuts" is more commonly used in formal settings or in writing, such as in business reports, articles, or literature. However, it can still be used in informal conversations to describe a situation where harm or damage is caused gradually through a series of small actions or events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
While "Death of a thousand cuts" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning, it can also be used alone in informal conversations. For example, someone might say, 'The project failed due to a "death of a thousand cuts".'
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- slow erosion
- incremental damage
- gradual decline
- accumulated harm
- small cuts adding up
Antonyms
- sudden impact
- instant success
- rapid improvement
- swift recovery
