Idiom: Go To The Mattresses
Meanings
From Mario Puzo's gangster novel The Godfather (1969). Those involved in such a conflict might be expected to stay in hideouts where they would sleep on mattresses rather than in beds.
How to pronounce "go to the mattresses":
AU
To go to war; to use ruthless tactics; to act without restraint.
Example Sentences
1
The rival gangs decided to go to the mattresses to settle their dispute.
2
During the negotiation, both sides were prepared to go to the mattresses if necessary.
3
The company was forced to go to the mattresses to defend its trademark against a competitor.
4
When the political tension escalated, the two parties threatened to go to the mattresses.
5
The athlete was ready to go to the mattresses and fight for his right to compete.