fall on one's sword

== English == === Etymology === Refers to the practice of some Roman military leaders, who would commit suicide following a devastating defeat by literally falling on the point of their own swords. === Pronunciation === === Verb === fall on one's sword (third-person singular simple present falls on one's sword, present participle falling on one's sword, simple past fell on one's sword, past participle fallen on one's sword) (idiomatic, by extension) To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so. (idiomatic) To voluntarily take the blame for a situation. Synonyms: (informal) take the rap, take the fall Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: To commit suicide by allowing one’s body to drop onto the point of one's sword. ==== See also ==== hara-kiri fall on a grenade