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The literal meaning of this word comes from the punishment used by Roman emperors to punish dissenters-- one was hung upon a cross, held there by nails, and left to die a painful death. Jesus and thousands of other political and religious dissenters suffered this punishment. Today, however, the word has a slang or metaphorical meaning. A person might say they are going to get crucified by their boss-- no, their boss is not going to string them up on a cross and watch them die; it means the person fears he or she is in serious trouble and is going to be severely punished or subjected to harsh criticism.

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12y ago

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