mercy (redirected from has mercy on)

at the mercy of someone and at someone's mercy

Fig. under the control of someone; without defense against someone. We were left at the mercy of the arresting officer. Mrs. Franklin wanted Mr. Franklin at her mercy.

throw oneself at the mercy of some authority and throw oneself on the mercy of some authority; throw oneself (up)on someone's mercy

Fig. to seek mercy from a court of law, especially at one's sentencing for a crime; to seek help from an official or institution. He pleaded guilty and threw himself at the mercy of the court. It did no good to throw myself on the mercy of the State Department. Please don't! I throw myself upon your mercy!

See also: authority, oneself, some, throw

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be at the mercy of something/somebody

to be in a situation in which you cannot do anything to protect yourself from something or someone unpleasant Poor people are increasingly at the mercy of money-lenders. Of course, in a tent, you're at the mercy of the elements.

See throw on mercy

be grateful/thankful for small mercies

if someone should be grateful for small mercies, they should feel grateful that something good has happened, although it is not everything that they wanted They've agreed to end the meeting half an hour early. I suppose we should be thankful for small mercies.

See also: small

leave somebody to somebody's tender mercies  (humorous)

to let someone be dealt with by another person who is not likely to show them any kindness or sympathy Should I have a word with her myself or leave her to Mick's tender mercies?

See also: leave, tender

throw yourself on/upon somebody's mercy

to ask someone to help you or to forgive you when you are in a difficult situation If all else fails, I might throw myself on Sandra's mercy and see if she'll drive me there.

See also: throw

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at the mercy of somebody/something also at somebody's/something's mercy

unable to protect yourself from someone or something The entire movie business is at the mercy of teenage moviegoers. If you're not legally employed, you're at your employer's mercy.