Heads will roll Meaning in English
expression
ˈhɛdz/ /ˈwɪɫ/, /wəɫ/ /ˈɹoʊɫ
HEDZ-wil-ROHL
hˈɛdz/ /wˈɪl/ /ɹˈəʊl
HEDZ-wil-ROHL
Definition
This expression means that people will be punished or lose their jobs, usually because of a serious mistake or problem.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used in workplaces or government contexts after mistakes or scandals. It’s figurative—no real violence. Commonly used when warning that someone will be fired or punished. Not used in formal writing.
Spanish: rodarán cabezasPortuguese (BR): cabeças vão rolarPortuguese (PT): vão rolar cabeçasChinese (Simplified): 有人会被惩罚 - 有人要倒霉了Chinese (Traditional): 有人會被懲罰 - 有人要倒楣了Hindi: कइयों की नौकरी जाएगी - कुछ लोगों पर कार्रवाई होगीArabic: سيتم معاقبة البعض - ستتم إقالة البعضBengali: শাস্তি হবে - চাকরি যাবেRussian: кто-то будет наказан - полетят головыJapanese: 誰かが処分される - クビになる人が出るVietnamese: sẽ có người bị phạt - sẽ có người mất việcKorean: 누군가는 처벌받을 거야 - 해고당하는 사람이 생길 거야Turkish: bazı kişiler cezalandırılacak - bazıları işten çıkarılacakUrdu: سزا ملے گی - نوکریاں جائیں گیIndonesian: sẽ có người bị xử phạt - sẽ có người bị sa thải
Example Sentences
After the company lost money, heads will roll.
basic
If the project fails, heads will roll in the management team.
basic
The teacher warned the class that heads will roll if rules are broken.
basic
Trust me, after that mistake, heads will roll at the next meeting.
natural
When the news broke, everyone knew heads would roll.
natural
You messed up the order—now heads will roll for sure.
natural