Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was lucky I stopped laughing time enough to bid Lanty hold his hand, for the honest fellow would else have brained my gallant adversary.
From Burlesques by William Makepeace Thackeray
Once the lioness succeeded in dealing him a blow with her paw that, but for the protection afforded by his double pith helmet would have brained the man.
From Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force by Ernest Prater
His left arm hung withered by his side; at his girdle he swung a bunch of keys, with any one of which a strong man might have brained an ox.
From The Black Wolf's Breed A Story of France in the Old World and the New, happening in the Reign of Louis XIV by C. M. (Charles Mark) Relyea
"I made a grab at her cap, and I thought she'd have brained me."
From Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life by Samuel Lover
A Ranger knocks it aside, while another aims a blow that would have brained the savage had not Rodney knocked it aside, for he had recognized Conrad!
From Rodney, the Ranger With Daniel Morgan on Trail and Battlefield by John Goss
