choose violence: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘choose violence’ mean?

The idiom "choose violence" means to deliberately opt for an aggressive or confrontational approach to a situation, often as a means of resolving conflicts or getting one's way.

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The idiom "choose one's fighter" is often related to the phrase "choose violence." It suggests that when faced with a conflict or challenge, one should select the most aggressive or determined approach. It conveys the idea of actively and intentionally opting for a confrontational strategy rather than a passive or diplomatic one. This connection between "choose one's fighter" and "choose violence" highlights the importance of assertiveness and determination in addressing difficult situations.

The idiom "with a vengeance" is another phrase that can be linked to "choose violence." It implies an intense and forceful response to a situation, often driven by a desire for revenge or retribution. When individuals choose violence, they may do so with a vengeance, meaning they engage in aggressive action with a strong and resolute determination to achieve their desired outcome.

His aggressive behavior escalated into a violent confrontation.

Another related idiom is "come to blows." This phrase is used to describe a situation where a disagreement escalates into physical confrontation or violence. When individuals choose violence, they may eventually come to blows if their aggressive actions and confrontational approach lead to a situation where physical force becomes the only option to resolve the conflict.

The idiom "come out swinging" can also be associated with "choose violence." It suggests entering a situation or conflict with a strong and forceful initial action. When individuals choose violence, they come out swinging, meaning they start the confrontation with an aggressive and assertive approach, aiming to gain the upper hand from the beginning.

The idiom "choose violence" has become a prevalent expression in contemporary American English. It can be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging individuals to confront challenging situations with aggression or force. The phrase's relation to idioms such as "choose one's fighter," "with a vengeance," "come to blows," and "come out swinging" further emphasizes the importance of assertiveness, determination, and intense action in tackling adversity.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "choose violence" can be used in a sentence:

1. After being insulted repeatedly, she had had enough and decided to choose violence by punching the person who offended her.

2. When faced with a difficult situation, sometimes it's better to choose violence and confront the problem head-on rather than avoiding it.

3. In order to protect herself, she had to choose violence and use physical force to defend against an attacker.

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