I like the expression “to slay.” It evokes the triumph of accomplishing something challenging, à la slaying dragons and all that. Not HBO-GOT’s dragons, because these creatures are too magnificent to be wilfully destroyed. And I don’t mean the use of slay to compliment someone on getting dressed well.
But I think I’d like to start saying, “I’m going to Simone Biles this challenge coming my way.” Not because Biles is trending and not because I just want to hop on the bandwagon of admirers (and there is much to admire in this young lady’s talent), but because I wonder what would happen if we tried using words and expressions, metaphors with less violent roots.
Galicia S. T. Blackman 