1
general::
Phrase(s): fall on one’s sword
1. Lit. to fall down and be penetrated by one’s own sword, accidentally or on purpose. • He tripped and fell on his sword. 2. Fig. to accept defeat; to go to extremes to indicate one’s defeat. (From the ancient practice of a military commander committing suicide this way rather than being captured.) • So, because I lost the contract, I am supposed to fall on my sword or something?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs