How to Pronounce "kill your darlings"
expression
ˈkɪɫ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈdɑɹɫɪŋz
KILL yor DAR-lingz
kˈɪl/ /jˈɔː/ /dˈɑːlɪŋz
kil yor DAH-lingz
Definition
An expression meaning to remove or give up your favorite parts, ideas, or details (often in writing or creative work), even if you love them, for the good of the whole piece.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkɪɫ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈdɑɹɫɪŋz
British English
kˈɪl/ /jˈɔː/ /dˈɑːlɪŋz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KILL yor DAR-lingz
UK
kil yor DAH-lingz
Listen in Context
Sometimes, you have to kill your darlings to make your story better.
My teacher told me to kill my darlings and remove some funny lines from my essay.
Editors help writers kill their darlings to improve the final draft.
It was tough, but I had to kill my darlings and cut that opening scene.