beat the instruments of war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beat the instruments of war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the cessation of conflict or the desire for peace, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In his speech, he urged the nations to beat the instruments of war and embrace diplomacy instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Indeed, one of the major strains of Hebrew messianic imagery foresaw a time when men would "beat" the instruments of war and domination into tools of peace and prosperity (Isaiah 2 1 4), each person sitting under his own tree, enjoying the fruits of honest labour undisturbed (Micah 4 1 4).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Traditionally, the instruments of war were only controlled by states.

Harvard University

So yes, the instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace.

The Guardian

He offered a classic paradox: "The instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace.

The New Yorker

When information is involved as the instrument of war, the only thing that matters is perception.

Huffington Post

"Those who are suggesting, or proposing, or beating the drums of war should explain clearly to the American people what the costs of war would be," he says.

The New York Times

Those beating the drums of war the loudest are usually those who never served and whose children also avoid service.

The New York Times

This beats the heck out of war, pestilence, and famine.

Huffington Post

By celebrating these (admittedly "badass") victories over and over in the movies, we grow increasingly comfortable with watching American troops and instruments of war beat up on fictional enemies.

Huffington Post

Remember when we beat the Germans at those wars?

The New Yorker

We stand on the brink of undreamed exploitation of children as instruments of war, killing and worse.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beat the instruments of war" when you want to evoke a sense of hopeful transformation, suggesting that resources and technologies once used for destruction can be repurposed for peaceful and productive ends.

Common error

Avoid using "beat the instruments of war" in contexts that require literal descriptions of military actions. The phrase is metaphorical and best suited for discussions about peace, disarmament, and the redirection of resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beat the instruments of war" functions primarily as a metaphorical expression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, particularly in contexts relating to peace and the cessation of conflict. It evokes imagery of transformation and repurposing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beat the instruments of war" is a grammatically correct but rare metaphorical phrase that advocates for the transformation of military tools into instruments of peace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in English, particularly when discussing de-escalation and the pursuit of peaceful resolutions. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While powerful, more common alternatives like "convert swords into plowshares" might be preferred for clarity and broader recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandon warfare

Directly addresses the cessation of war, differing from the query's more figurative language.

end hostilities

Focuses on stopping acts of war, differing from the query which conveys a broader sense of transforming the means of conflict.

convert swords into plowshares

Emphasizes transforming weapons into tools for peaceful purposes, differing from the query's broader notion of ceasing conflict.

embrace peace

Highlights adopting a peaceful approach, differing from the query’s focus on ending the tools of war.

turn weapons into tools

Highlights the conversion of destructive tools into constructive ones, differing from the query's emphasis on ceasing the use of war instruments.

choose diplomacy

Highlights opting for negotiation, differing from the query which emphasizes ending the tools of war.

demilitarize

Focuses on reducing military forces and equipment, differing from the query's metaphorical emphasis on ending conflict.

resolve conflicts peacefully

Focuses on using non-violent methods to settle disputes, differing from the query’s emphasis on ending the tools of war.

disarm

Highlights the removal of weapons, whereas the query refers to a more general concept of ending conflict and its tools.

cease fire

Emphasizes the temporary suspension of fighting, unlike the query's implication of a more permanent shift away from conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "beat the instruments of war" in a sentence?

You can use "beat the instruments of war" to describe a shift from military conflict to peaceful endeavors. For example: "The community decided to "beat the instruments of war" by converting the old armory into a community center."

What does it mean to "beat the instruments of war"?

To "beat the instruments of war" means to transform tools of destruction into tools that promote peace and prosperity. It's a metaphorical expression suggesting a transition from conflict to harmony.

What are some alternatives to "beat the instruments of war"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "convert swords into plowshares", "turn weapons into tools", or "abandon warfare", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "beat the instruments of war" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "beat the instruments of war" is not a very common expression. Alternatives like "end hostilities" or "embrace peace" might be more readily recognized.