flaming sword: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, religious, mythological, fantasy
Quick answer
What does “flaming sword” mean?
A sword that is depicted as being on fire or wreathed in flames, often with symbolic or supernatural connotations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sword that is depicted as being on fire or wreathed in flames, often with symbolic or supernatural connotations.
A powerful, destructive, or divine weapon; a metaphor for fierce judgment, zealous protection, or unquenchable conflict.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage frequency may be slightly higher in UK contexts due to stronger classical education traditions referencing biblical and mythological motifs.
Connotations
Shared connotations of divine power, finality, and awe-inspiring danger.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse; almost exclusively found in specialized genres.
Grammar
How to Use “flaming sword” in a Sentence
[Entity] wields a flaming sword[Entity] is guarded by a flaming swordthe flaming sword of [Abstract Concept]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flaming sword” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The archangel was said to flaming sword the entrance to Eden.
American English
- The hero flaming sworded his way through the demonic horde.
adverb
British English
- He defended the principle flaming-swordly, without compromise.
American English
- She argued flaming-swordly against the corruption.
adjective
British English
- He had a flaming-sword determination to see justice done.
American English
- Her critique was of the flaming-sword variety, leaving no argument standing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in analyses of religious texts (e.g., Genesis), mythology, and fantasy literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used in discussing specific stories or in metaphorical jest.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flaming sword”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flaming sword”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flaming sword”
- Using it to describe a literal, technologically plausible weapon (e.g., a sword dipped in fuel).
- Misplacing the adjective: 'sword flaming' is ungrammatical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a symbolic or mythological concept, not a practical historical weapon.
Its most famous origin is the Book of Genesis in the Bible, where cherubim and a flaming sword guard the way to the Tree of Life.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically to describe fierce criticism, unwavering defense of a principle, or something that causes an irrevocable separation.
No, it is a low-frequency term used almost exclusively in religious, literary, or fantasy contexts.
A sword that is depicted as being on fire or wreathed in flames, often with symbolic or supernatural connotations.
Flaming sword is usually literary, religious, mythological, fantasy in register.
Flaming sword: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪ.mɪŋ sɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪ.mɪŋ sɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to place a flaming sword between (to irrevocably separate)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a guardian angel at a gate, holding a sword that burns but is not consumed, like the biblical burning bush.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A FIERY WEAPON; BOUNDARIES ARE GUARDED BY FIRE.
Practice
Quiz
In its most famous literary context, what is the primary function of the flaming sword?