General
giant-killing
What does giant-killing mean?
When a lowly team causes a huge upset by beating a far bigger club, usually in a cup competition.
"The non-league side pulled off a stunning giant-killing over the Premier League team."
Origin
From the Jack and the Beanstalk 'giant killer' motif applied to cup upsets.
Frequently asked questions
What is a giant-killing in football?
It is a major cup upset in which a small, lowly-ranked club knocks out a far bigger and stronger one.
Where does the term giant-killing come from?
It draws on the fairy-tale 'giant killer' motif from stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, applied to underdogs toppling giants.
When do giant-killings usually happen?
Most famously in knockout cup competitions like the FA Cup, where a single match can decide the tie and upsets are more likely.
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