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

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

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

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

Jens Kofoed sat in his church; he had been to the wars, and was fit to take command.

From Hero Tales of the Far North by Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August)

But like every true gentleman, I have been to the wars.

From The Queen Pedauque by Stritzko, Jos. A. V.

"This chap has been to the wars, eh, Miss Gower?" he heard the man say.

From Poor Man's Rock by Johnson, Frank Tenney