beat swords into plowshares

beat swords into plowshares

To abstain from destructive activities, such as war and violence (symbolized by swords), in favor of peaceful, constructive activities (symbolized by plowshares, a farming implement). The phrase comes from the Bible. We must beat swords into plowshares so that our children can inherit a peaceful world.

See also: beat, plowshare, sword

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.