The phrase "lamb to the slaughter" is often misspelled as "lamb to the slaugher," but the correct spelling includes the "t" in "slaughter." Phonetically, this phrase is transcribed as /læm tu ðə slɔːtə/. The "b" in "lamb" is pronounced with a voiced bilabial plosive /b/. The "o" in "to" is a schwa sound /ə/. The "s" in "slaughter" is pronounced with an unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/, and the "gh" is silent, indicating that the word is pronounced with two syllables.
The phrase "lamb to the slaughter" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the biblical reference to the lamb, which is a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. It signifies the act of a person being unknowingly led into a dangerous situation or their own downfall due to their naivety or lack of awareness.
In a literal sense, this expression refers to the slaughtering of a lamb, which is an act carried out without the lamb's comprehension of the impending fate. This idea is then metaphorically used to describe a person facing a detrimental situation without foreseeing its repercussions. The phrase often emphasizes the contrast between the person's innocence and the impending danger they are about to face.
The phrase gained popularity particularly due to its appearance in Roald Dahl's short story "Lamb to the Slaughter," where a seemingly submissive wife kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb, having been provoked by his unexpected announcement of leaving her. The title of the story brilliantly captures the essence of a victim who transforms into an aggressor, serving as a metaphor for the events that unfold.
Overall, "lamb to the slaughter" encapsulates the idea of the unsuspecting individual facing a shocking or compromising situation, often emphasizing their vulnerability and innocence as they become entrapped in an unfavorable circumstance without prior knowledge.