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Region: General | Usage example: After the failure, heads will roll in the department.

Heads will roll

Meaning

People will face punishment.

Usage

Used to warn of consequences.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

From executions describing beheadings.

Used in newspapers from the 1800s.

Related Idioms

Roll with the punches

Adapt to difficulties gracefully.

Roll out the red carpet

Give someone a very special welcome.

On a roll

Experiencing a series of successes without interruption.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.