To "fall on the sword" is to accept defeat; or to go to extremes to indicate one's defeat. It originates from the ancient practice of soldiers committing suicide this way rather than being captured. ## Efforts to shield others This can show up in our lives when we go to extreme lengths to take all of the blame or shame from an unfortunate event onto ourselves in an effot to shield others. I've learned that this form of "falling on the sword" can actually ==harm others' ability to grow== because it allows them to avoid questioning their own role in the unfortunate event and avoid challenging their assumptions.