APAD: Get medieval

Meaning:

   Use violence or extreme measures.

 

Background:

   The expression `get medieval' was coined in the USA is fairly recent years.

   It joins a list of figurative phrases of the `become crazy' form. These

   include venerable expressions like `go berserk,' `run amok,' `go haywire'

   and, more recently, `go postal.'

   

   The allusion in `get medieval' is clearly to the forms of torture that were

   in use in the Middle Ages, the best-known of which was the rack. This grisly

   stretching apparatus was used to extract retractions of faith from both

   Protestants and Catholics during the 15th and 16th centuries in England. A

   notable victim was Cutbert Simson in 1558. He was probably relieved when he

   was released from the rack, but not for long - he was burned at the stake

   soon afterwards.

   

- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]

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Violence is always hinted but rarely chosen. The rack, however, as seen in the

movie Brave Heart, looked like a promising piece of equipment for improving

flexibility if applied gradually. The keyword is ``gradually.'' I can sit in

full lotus comfortbly but only after building up to it with daily 3hr+

half-lotus over five years. Being pliable is an advantage in martial art

training, in preparation for violence.