Bay for blood

Meaning

The idiom "bay for blood" means to seek revenge or aggression towards someone who has wronged you. It suggests a thirst for vengeance, like a hound baying for its prey.

Usage

• After the accident, John's family was baying for blood against the driver who caused it.
• The victim's relatives were baying for blood after the police officer acquitted the perpetrator of the crime.
• When she found out her husband had cheated on her, Sarah was baying for blood.
• The crowd was baying for blood as the convict was led away from the courtroom.
• He lost his job and his wife left him, leaving him to bay for blood in a world that seemed to have turned against him.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it may stem from the phrase "baying hounds," which refers to dogs that hunt in packs and often chase down their prey relentlessly. The phrase has been used since at least the 16th century, and its figurative meaning as a metaphor for seeking revenge or aggression was established during that time. In some cases, it may have also referred to the actions of animals, such as hunting or fighting, that were seen as bloodthirsty or violent.

Synonyms in English

• Seek revenge
• Look for blood
• Demand retribution
• Crave vengeance
• Yearn for punishment

Synonyms in other languages

• Enquérir après la vengeance (French)
• 讀取敬主的威脅（Chinese）
• לידך מחורהים אותם בעליים אותם (Hebrew)

Similar Idioms

• baker’s dozen

• bone to pick

• break down