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like a lamb to the slaughter

Idioms  
  1. Also, as lambs to the slaughter. Innocently and helplessly, without realizing the danger. For example, She agreed to appeal to the board, little knowing she would go like a lamb to the slaughter. This expression appears in several biblical books (Isaiah, Jeremiah), and the simile itself was used by Chaucer.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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So she set out to reveal the magnetic yet sheltered young woman who later reportedly felt "like a lamb to the slaughter" when she entered her artfully arranged marriage.

From Salon Sep. 6, 2023

"I have no desire to return like a lamb to the slaughter," the artist told the BBC by phone.

From BBC Jan. 16, 2017

He was like a lamb to the slaughter.

From Golf Digest Oct. 16, 2013

I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards all men.

From Key to the Science of Theology by Parley P. Pratt

Wilbur followed him like a lamb to the slaughter.

From The Eye of Wilbur Mook by H. B. Hickey

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