Beat swords into ploughshares


What's the meaning of the phrase 'Beat swords into ploughshares'?

Turn to peaceful pursuits and away from war.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Beat swords into ploughshares'?

From the Bible, Isaiah II (King James Version):

They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

Trend of beat swords into ploughshares in printed material over time

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Beat swords into ploughshares

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