shed blood

Idioms  

1. Also, spill blood. Wound or kill someone, especially violently. For example, It was a bitter fight but fortunately no blood was shed, or A great deal of blood has been spilled in this family feud. Both of these terms allude to causing blood to flow and fall on the ground. The first dates from the 1200s. The variant amplifies the verb spill, which from about 1300 to 1600 by itself meant “slay” or “kill”; it was first recorded about 1125.

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Example Sentences

Mr Kim reportedly told Mr Li that "the Korean people will never forget the fact that the brave soldiers of the Chinese People's Volunteers shed blood to bring about the war victory".

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2023

"Do what our ancestors shed blood for and vote."

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2023

“We have shed blood to have freedom in my family.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 4, 2022

In Phoenix, the Rev. Terry Mackey, the pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, urged those attending an indoor rally to honor those who fought and shed blood for voting rights.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2021

They would say she hadn’t shed blood but wept it.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor