"carry out a threat" vs "achieve a threat"

Question

"carry out a threat" vs "achieve a threat"

The phrases 'achieve a threat' and 'carry out a threat' have different meanings and are not interchangeable. 'Carry out a threat' is the correct and commonly used phrase, meaning to follow through with a threat. On the other hand, 'achieve a threat' does not make sense in English.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

'Carry out a threat' is used when someone fulfills or enacts a threat they have made, typically to cause harm or damage.

Examples:

He warned that he would carry out his threat if they didn't comply.
The criminal carried out his threat to harm the witness.
The country vowed to carry out the threat of sanctions.
She decided to carry out her threat to quit if her demands were not met.
The teacher had to take action when a student tried to carry out a threat against another student.

Alternatives:

follow through on a threat
act on a threat
execute a threat
implement a threat
make good on a threat

This phrase does not have a valid usage in English. It does not convey a meaningful or commonly understood idea.

Answer 1

carry out a threat

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It means to follow through with a threat.

Answer 2

achieve a threat

This phrase is not correct in English. 'Achieve' does not collocate with 'threat' in this context.

"carry out a threat" vs "achieve a threat"

carry out a threat

achieve a threat

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