Like lambs to the slaughter Meaning in English
expression
Definition
If people go somewhere or do something dangerous or unpleasant without knowing what will happen, and do not protest, they go "like lambs to the slaughter." It suggests innocence and a lack of resistance in the face of harm.
Usage & Nuances
This is a literary, somewhat dramatic idiom. It is mainly used for people who face danger, trouble, or negative outcomes without protest or understanding, often naively. Avoid using it for trivial situations; best for serious or significant events. Commonly paired with 'go', 'led', or 'walked' ('went like lambs to the slaughter').
Example Sentences
The children walked like lambs to the slaughter, not knowing what was ahead.
basic
They entered the exam room like lambs to the slaughter, nervous and unprepared.
basic
Workers were sent into the dangerous mine like lambs to the slaughter.
basic
We all lined up for the vaccine like lambs to the slaughter, not sure what the nurse would do next.
natural
After the manager's speech, the staff went into the meeting like lambs to the slaughter.
natural
They accepted the new rules like lambs to the slaughter, even though most people disagreed with them.
natural