Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war

Meaning

This idiom describes unleashing chaos, destruction, or conflict, often deliberately, as if releasing war dogs to wreak havoc. It conveys a call to aggressive action, typically used in dramatic, political, or literary contexts to depict escalating strife. The phrase carries a tone of intensity, foreboding, or rallying, reflecting cultural values of control and the human tendency to incite turmoil. Its martial imagery evokes a ferocious release, resonating in scenarios like battles or upheavals. The idiom warns of unleashed chaos, making it a grandiose metaphor for inciting conflict.

Origin

The phrase originates from William Shakespeare’s *Julius Caesar* (1599), where Mark Antony says, ‘Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war.’ It refers to a medieval military command to plunder. The idiom gained traction in 18th-century literature, notably in Jonathan Swift’s essays (1720s). Its spread was amplified by war poetry and 20th-century media, with *The Times* using it for global conflicts. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures stems from its dramatic imagery and relevance to chaos.

Variants (3)
Let slip the dogs of war
Cry havoc
Dogs of war
Usage Examples (5)
He cried havoc and let slip the dogs of war, escalating the feud.
Let slip the dogs of war, they did, launching the protest.
Cry havoc, the leader urged, rallying the rebels.
Dogs of war unleashed, the conflict spiraled out of control.
Crying havoc, she sparked a corporate showdown.