“Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war” is a phrase that originated from William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. It is a famous line spoken by the character Mark Antony in Act III, Scene I. The phrase is often quoted and used in various contexts, but what does it actually mean?
Origin of Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War Meaning
The phrase "cry havoc" was a military command used during the Middle Ages to signal to soldiers to begin a pillage or attack on a city or town. The phrase "let slip the dogs of war" refers to releasing fierce and savage animals, such as dogs, to attack and kill the enemy. Shakespeare used these two phrases together to create a powerful metaphor for the chaos and destruction that war can bring.
Meaning of Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War
The phrase "cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war" means to give the signal for a destructive and violent attack, and to unleash chaos and destruction upon the enemy. It is often used metaphorically to describe any situation where a destructive force is unleashed without control or restraint, leading to chaos and disorder.
Usage of Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War in Popular Culture
The phrase "cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war" has been used in various forms of popular culture, including movies, TV shows, books, and music. It is often used to describe a situation where violence and chaos are unleashed, or where a situation spirals out of control. Some examples include:
- In the movie Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the character General Chang quotes the line while preparing for battle.
- In the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops III, the line is used as a mission title.
- In the TV show The Walking Dead, the character Negan quotes the line while preparing for war.
- In the book The Hunger Games, the character President Snow uses a similar phrase, "release the hounds," to unleash attack dogs on the contestants.
Conclusion
The phrase "cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war" is a powerful and memorable quote that has been used in various forms of popular culture. It originated from Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar and refers to the unleashing of destruction and chaos upon the enemy. Whether used literally or metaphorically, the phrase continues to be relevant today as a warning of the dangers of unchecked aggression and violence.