giant-killing

English

Etymology

From the Biblical story of David and Goliath.

Noun

giant-killing (countable and uncountable, plural giant-killings)

1. The slaying of a giant.
2. (sports, also used as an adjective) The defeat of a team by a much weaker opponent.
   • 2023 June 28, Stephen Roberts, “Bradshaw's Britain: Alton to Exeter”, in RAIL, number 986, page 60:

     My guide tells me of Yeovil's 'considerable glove trade', which is why the giant-killing footie club, Yeovil Town FC, is known as 'The Glovers'.

Related terms

• giant-killer

Translations

defeat of a team by a much weaker opponent

• Japanese: 番狂わせ (bankuruwase), 金星 (ja) (kinboshi)