mercy (redirected from mercies)

be at the mercy of something/someone

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.

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 someone to someone'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

throw yourself on/upon someone'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, upon

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at the mercy of someone/something

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.