blow someone's brains out

English

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Verb

blow someone's brains out

1. (slang) To shoot in the head.
   • 1724, Charles Johnson [pseudonym], “Of Captain Bartho[lomew] Roberts, and His Crew”, in A General History of the Pyrates, […], 2nd edition, London: Printed for, and sold by T. Warner, […], →OCLC, page 319:

     [F]or Moody, on this Occaſion, took a large Glaſs from him, and threatned to blow his Brains out, (a favourite Phraſe with theſe Pyrates) if he muttered at it.

   • 1763, John Shebbeare, Lydia, or Filial Piety: A Novel, volume 3, page 66:

     In Conſequence of this a profound Silence enſued, the Earl depending on his Skill in the Sword, longing to run the Baronet through the Body; and Sir Timothy, knowing himſelf a good Shot, to blow the Earl’s Brains out.

   • 1783, The Trial of Lieutenant Charles Bourne, Upon the Prosecution of Sir James Wallace, Knt. for an Assault, page 54:

     Sir James Wallace pulls out a piſtol from his pocket and cocks it, and ſays, if you ſpeak to me I will blow your brains out immediately

   • 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island:

     “One more step, Mr. Hands,” said I, “and I’ll blow your brains out!

   • 1988, Tom Clancy, The Cardinal of the Kremlin, page 540:

     He’d probably blow his brains out a week after the fact, but that might be a little late for the rest of us.

   • 1994 Mike Werb, The Mask, Lt. Kellerway (played by Peter Riegert):

     Start dancing and I'll blow your brains out!