heads will roll
Meaning(s)
1. people will be punished severely for something
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
if that task isn't done on time, heads will roll!
Analysis
The expression heads will roll refers to severe punishment and perhaps comes from the use of a guillotine to behead people during the French Revolution. When you say heads will roll it means you expect some people to be punished or to be in line for a severe reprimand. This idiomatic phrase is often used hyperbolically in reference to people being fired.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- If we don't get this order completed in time, heads will roll! We cannot afford another major setback.
- Heads are rolling over at that company because of their recent poor financial results.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Heads are going to roll when our parents come home and see the house in a mess like this.
- If I ever find out who scratched my car, heads are going to roll.