Swing for him

Posted by ESC on January 10, 2007

In Reply to: Swing for him posted by Gary Martin on January 10, 2007

: : Where did the phrase "swing for him" orginate.
: : Is it to kill him and then swing at the end of a rope or
: : swing an arm to punch him.

: I don't know where it originated and, for a colloquial phrase like this one, you aren't ever likely to find out. The meaning is well-known though - at least here in the UK - and that's the second of your two suggestions.

"Take a swing at him" means try to hit him. "You'll swing for that" means you'll be put to death by hanging.

• Swing for him Victoria S Dennis 11/January/07
  • Swing for him Gary Martin 11/January/07