The phrase "tirar a matar" is a verbal phrase (verb phrase).
/tiraɾ a maˈtaɾ/
The phrase "tirar a matar" is used in Spanish to describe the action of aiming or shooting with the intention of causing fatal harm to someone or something. It is commonly used in contexts of violence, warfare, or when discussing aggressive actions. The phrase can also have metaphorical implications, referring to taking a decisive or extreme action meant to eliminate competition or resolve a situation completely.
Frequency of use is higher in oral speech, especially in discussions regarding crime, conflicts, or intense confrontations.
El delincuente decidió tirar a matar durante el atraco.
The criminal decided to shoot to kill during the robbery.
En la película, el héroe tiene que tirar a matar para salvar a su familia.
In the movie, the hero has to aim to kill to save his family.
La policía no tenía más opciones que tirar a matar en esa situación tan peligrosa.
The police had no other options but to shoot to kill in such a dangerous situation.
The phrase "tirar a matar" is sometimes used in idiomatic expressions relating to decisive actions or aggressive strategies frequently seen in everyday conversations. Here are a few examples:
Tirar a matar en una discusión
To shoot to kill in an argument
Se enojó y decidió tirar a matar en una discusión con su amigo.
He got angry and decided to aim to kill in an argument with his friend.
No tirar a matar en el trabajo
Not to shoot to kill at work
En el trabajo, es mejor no tirar a matar, sino buscar soluciones pacíficas.
At work, it's better not to aim to kill, but to seek peaceful solutions.
Tirar a matar en el juego
To shoot to kill in the game
En este juego, tenemos que tirar a matar si queremos ganar.
In this game, we have to aim to kill if we want to win.
Tirar a matar en una competencia
To shoot to kill in a competition
Para ganar la competencia, muchos están dispuestos a tirar a matar.
To win the competition, many are willing to shoot to kill.
The phrase "tirar a matar" comes from the verb "tirar," meaning "to throw" or "to shoot," and "matar," meaning "to kill." The combination implies an intentional, aggressive act aimed at causing death or a definitive resolution.