been to the wars

Idioms  

1. Show signs of rough treatment or injury, as in That car of yours looks as though it's been to the wars. This term dates from the late 1300s, when, however, it tended to be used literally. The figurative usage is more recent.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

been to the wars

But rich boys who’ve been to the wars, you know?

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

If you had only been to the wars, how differently you would see it.

From The Unspeakable Gentleman by John P. (John Phillips) Marquand

It appears that he was opposed by a much younger man who had "never been to the wars," and it was his practice to tell the people of the hardships he had endured.

From The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun; containing a collection of over one thousand of the most laughable sayings and jokes of celebrated wits and humorists. by Various

The soldier had been to the wars and was coming home.

From Childhood's Favorites and Fairy Stories The Young Folks Treasury, Volume 1 by Edward Everett Hale

Besides, sergeant Jasper, I've been to the wars since I've seen ye—got experience, laurels and lilies, and all them there things.

From She Would Be a Soldier The Plains of Chippewa by Montrose Jonas Moses