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Definition

To experience or succeed in combat or struggle for the first time, as in the military or in politics.

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Origins

Literally, to shed blood for the first time with a new sword; see flesh (“bury in flesh”), maiden (“virgin”), sword.

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In Context

  • "Come brother Iohn, full brauely hast thou flesht / Thy mayden sword."
  • "Well, Lord Althorpe has last night fleshed his maiden sword as a finance minister—and the result, I am sorry to say, is a failure."
  • "Day after day, and year after year, we have heard the Native question discussed in an intelligible and statesmanlike manner, when the subject was brought forward in a practicable form, but not when presented in the style of a young member of a debating society endeavouring to “flesh his maiden sword.”"
  • "The Ragged Guardists, when they did flesh their maiden swords on the 12th, could do nothing more spectacular than kidnap three Czech soldiers from Csap railway station."
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See Also

  • first blood
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Related Idioms

n

not one's first rodeo

Not the first time one has been in a particular situation; used to ind…

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set one's watch back

To ponder or experience a past time.

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for once

For the first time, after many instances to the contrary; in a rare ex…

 l

lose one's virginity

To have sexual intercourse for the first time.

 h

have a time of it

To undergo a painful or difficult experience.

 b

break the seal

To urinate, particularly for the first time after drinking alcohol.
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