What Does Go To The Mattresses Mean

What Does "Go to the Mattresses" Mean? A Deep Dive into the Idiom's Origins and Usage

The phrase "go to the mattresses" conjures images of clandestine meetings, hushed tones, and impending conflict. It's a colorful idiom that hints at a hidden war, a secret strategy, or a sudden, decisive action. But what does it actually mean, and where did this evocative phrase originate? This article will delve into the history, meaning, and modern usage of "go to the mattresses," exploring its nuances and providing examples to solidify your understanding.

The Origins: A Mobster's Secret Weapon

While the precise origin remains shrouded in some mystery, the phrase's widespread adoption is strongly linked to the world of organized crime, particularly within the context of the American Mafia. The term gained significant popularity after its portrayal in Mario Puzo's seminal novel, The Godfather, and its subsequent film adaptation.

The Godfather's Influence: Cementing the Phrase in Popular Culture

In The Godfather, "going to the mattresses" signifies a transition to a state of open warfare. It represents a strategic shift from covert operations and negotiations to all-out conflict, often involving violence and intimidation. The families are no longer working behind closed doors; they're fully engaged in a brutal, public battle for supremacy. This depiction cemented the phrase in the public consciousness, associating it firmly with organized crime and large-scale conflict.

Key takeaway: In the context of the Mafia, "going to the mattresses" isn't simply about preparing for a fight; it's about declaring war. It signifies a complete abandonment of subtlety and a commitment to using whatever means necessary to achieve victory.

Beyond the Mob: Expanding the Meaning

While the phrase's origins are rooted in the Mafia's underworld, its usage has extended far beyond that specific context. Today, "going to the mattresses" can be applied to a variety of situations involving:

1. Intense Preparations for Conflict:

This is perhaps the most common modern usage. It describes a scenario where an individual or group is undertaking intense preparations for an upcoming conflict, challenge, or competition. This could involve:

• Strategic planning: Developing detailed plans and strategies to anticipate and overcome potential obstacles.
• Resource mobilization: Gathering necessary resources, including personnel, equipment, and funding.
• Intensive training: Undergoing rigorous training or practice to hone skills and prepare for the challenge ahead.

Example: "The rival companies knew a price war was coming, so they went to the mattresses, cutting costs and preparing for a prolonged battle."

2. Entering a State of Heightened Alert:

"Going to the mattresses" can also denote entering a state of heightened alertness and readiness for action. This involves:

• Increased surveillance: Monitoring the situation closely to anticipate any unexpected developments.
• Enhanced security measures: Implementing additional security precautions to protect against potential threats.
• A readiness to react: Ensuring that personnel are ready to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation.

Example: "After receiving credible threats, the security detail went to the mattresses, increasing patrols and bolstering surveillance measures."

3. Secretly Planning a Response:

The phrase can also allude to a situation where a group is secretly planning a response to an offense or challenge. This emphasizes the element of secrecy and the coordinated nature of the response.

Example: "When the CEO announced the layoffs, the employees went to the mattresses, secretly organizing a union to fight back."

4. Embracing a Defensive Posture:

In some situations, "going to the mattresses" signifies adopting a purely defensive posture, preparing to withstand a prolonged assault or challenge. This implies a willingness to endure hardship and fight back when necessary.

Example: "Faced with overwhelming opposition, the small business went to the mattresses, focusing on cost-cutting and weathering the storm."

Nuances and Variations: Understanding the Context

The exact meaning of "go to the mattresses" depends heavily on the context. It's crucial to pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases to accurately interpret its intended meaning. For instance:

• "We're going to the mattresses," spoken in a tense boardroom meeting, suggests preparations for a hostile takeover or a fierce competition.
• "The team went to the mattresses before the championship game," implies intensive training and preparation.
• "The family went to the mattresses after the betrayal," suggests a secret plan for revenge or retaliation.

The phrase's impact stems from its inherent ambiguity; it can be both threatening and strategic, secretive and openly defiant. Its versatility is a testament to its enduring popularity.

Modern Usage and Examples in Various Contexts:

Let's examine how the phrase is used in various contemporary scenarios:

• Politics: "With the election approaching, both campaigns went to the mattresses, unleashing a torrent of negative advertising."
• Business: "When the competitor launched a new product, our marketing team went to the mattresses, developing a counter-offensive strategy."
• Sports: "The underdog team went to the mattresses during practice, training harder than ever to prepare for the finals."
• Personal Relationships: "After a significant argument, the couple went to the mattresses, avoiding each other and giving each other space to cool down."

Differentiating "Go to the Mattresses" from Similar Phrases:

While several idioms convey similar meanings, "go to the mattresses" carries a unique connotation of organized preparation for a prolonged and possibly violent conflict. Other phrases, such as "brace for impact" or "prepare for battle," lack the clandestine and strategic undertones associated with "go to the mattresses." The latter also emphasizes a significant shift in tactics, often from covert to overt actions.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Enduring Idiom

"Go to the mattresses" is more than just a colorful phrase; it's a powerful idiom that encapsulates a complex range of actions and intentions. Its origins in the world of organized crime have given it a unique flavour, but its versatile nature allows it to be applied across numerous contexts, from high-stakes business negotiations to personal conflicts. By understanding its historical origins and modern usage, you can appreciate the richness and complexity of this intriguing idiom and use it effectively in your own writing and conversation. Its ambiguity and evocative nature make it a captivating addition to your vocabulary, allowing you to paint vivid pictures and suggest underlying tensions with just a few words. Remember to always consider the context to ensure your use is clear and appropriate.