mow down

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to kill in large numbers, esp by gunfire

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mow down Idioms  

1. Destroy in great numbers, especially in battle, as in The machine gun mowed them down as they advanced . [Late 1500s]

2. Overwhelm, as in He mowed down the opposition with his arguments . This usage, like the first, alludes to mowing , the cutting of grass with a scythe or other implement.

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Example Sentences

They have mowed down the Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Brewers with ruthless efficiency.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They can mow down a kelp forest and then actually remain in that ecosystem without a food source,” said Prentice, a marine biologist and study co-author.

From Los Angeles Times

Sharks play a critical role in the ecosystem as guardians of the seagrass, policing populations of turtles and other animals that would mow down all the seagrass if left unchecked.

From Los Angeles Times

The 27-year-old said dead rodents mowed down by cars were becoming common, adding he had seen four in just one morning.

From BBC

Weaver is not to be confused with Yankees closer Luke Weaver, whose star has risen this year as he mows down batters and screams on the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bulldoze
• demolish
• destroy
• dynamite
• erase
• extinguish
• obliterate
• overthrow
• scatter
• smash
• topple
• wipe out
• wreck