are ready to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ready to kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing a strong desire or intention to harm or eliminate something or someone, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After the betrayal, he felt that his friends were ready to kill the traitor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

We are ready to kill saboteurs.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are ready to kill and get killed," he said.

Independent

There are people in this opposition who are ready to kill their neighbors".

The New York Times

"You're asking these guys to make contact with individuals who are ready to kill themselves".

Independent

Repelled by their father's boorishness, Alice and Clayton are ready to kill dear old dad.

The New York Times

One billion, three hundred thousand Muslims are ready to kill you".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Now I was ready to kill him.

The New York Times

By the end, he's ready to kill her.

The Guardian

Oh, they were ready to kill the government".

The Guardian

On 14 January 2008, Benjamin was ready to kill himself.

The Guardian

They're ready to kill and torture over the least suspicion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are ready to kill", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Consider whether a more nuanced or figurative expression might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "are ready to kill" in trivial situations. Overuse can diminish the impact of the phrase and make your language seem hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ready to kill" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating a state of willingness or preparedness to commit violence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It often serves to express intense emotion or determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

The Guardian - Sport

4%

Less common in

The New Yorker - Tech

4%

The New York Times - Food

4%

The Guardian - TV & Radio

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are ready to kill" is a potent expression that signifies a high degree of anger, frustration, or determination. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily in news and media contexts. While its literal meaning suggests violence, it's often employed hyperbolically to emphasize intense emotions. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to avoid misinterpretation or causing offense. Alternatives like "are extremely frustrated" or "are at their wits' end" might be more suitable in professional or formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are prepared to kill

Emphasizes preparedness and willingness.

are willing to kill

Highlights the volition and consent to commit the act.

are set to kill

Implies a planned or imminent action.

intend to kill

Focuses on the purpose or plan to kill.

are about to kill

Indicates immediate action; something is on the verge of happening.

are disposed to kill

Suggests a tendency or inclination to kill.

are keen to kill

Implies eagerness or enthusiasm to kill.

are game to kill

Indicates a willingness to participate in killing, often in a dangerous context.

are down to kill

Similar to 'game to kill', but slightly more informal.

stand ready to kill

Formal and emphasizes the state of readiness and preparedness.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says they "are ready to kill"?

The phrase "are ready to kill" typically means that someone is extremely angry or frustrated, often to the point of wanting to cause harm. It can also be used figuratively to express a strong desire to eliminate a problem or obstacle.

What can I say instead of "are ready to kill" to sound less aggressive?

You can use alternatives like "are extremely frustrated", "are at their wits' end", or "are highly irritated" to convey a similar sentiment without sounding as violent.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "are ready to kill" in a professional setting?

No, using "are ready to kill" is generally not appropriate in a professional setting. It's better to choose more professional and measured language to express your feelings or intentions.

How can I use "are ready to kill" in a sentence?

You can use "are ready to kill" in a sentence like this: "After waiting in line for hours, the customers "were ready to kill" the person who cut in front of them."