put out of misery

put (someone or something) out of its/(one's) misery

1. To kill someone or something as a means to ending suffering. Considering the dog's extensive wounds, the vet encouraged us to put him out of his misery.2. To quell one's curiosity. Oh, just put me out of my misery and tell me how the movie ends!See also: misery, of, out, put

put (one) out of (one's) misery

 1. Euph. Fig. to kill someone as an act of mercy. Why doesn't the doctor simply put her out of her misery? He took pills to put himself out of his misery. 2. Fig. to end a suspenseful situation for someone. Please, put me out of misery; what happened? I put her out of her misery and told her how the movie ended.See also: misery, of, out, put

put somebody/something out of their/its ˈmisery


1 (informal) stop somebody worrying by telling them something that they are anxious to know: You can’t keep telling him to wait for your answer. Put him out of his misery and tell him now. OPPOSITE: prolong the agony
2 kill an animal which is badly injured or very ill in order to end its suffering: I can’t let a horse go on suffering such terrible pain. Can you put it out of its misery, please.See also: misery, of, out, put, somebody, something