Now back to the phrase. The call for Wolfowitz to "fall on his sword" is for him to resign.

The phrase "fall on one's sword", according to many, originated from the ancient Japanese Samurai practice of committing suicide by "hara kiri" (belly cut). The Japanese warrior used to kill himself with his own sword, by poking it into his belly, to avoid facing defeat, dishonor or ignominy.

In English, the term's literal meaning (kara kiri itself has all but died out in Japan) has given way to its figurative meanings. It is generally understood that for someone to fall on his sword is for him to assume responsibilities for his action and to be punished for his wrongdoing.

Wolfowitz certainly won't have to feel the blade of the sword or anything too sharp for a mistake that has punctured a hole, so to speak, in his reputation. He may not even stand down.

He had said he would not resign.

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