首くびを取とる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

decapitate; take someone's head off

Literal meaning: to cut off someone's head. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.

• 戦せん国ごく時じ代だいには、敵てき将しょうの首くびを取とることが戦せん功こうとされた。

  In the Warring States period, taking an enemy general's head was considered a feat of arms.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

depose; topple; bring down

Figurative meaning: to remove someone from a position of power, often in a ruthless or decisive manner. Idiomatic.

• 派は閥ばつのリーダーは、ライバルに首くびを取とられた。

  The faction leader was toppled by a rival.