Question about a phrase in Chapter 17 (spoilers for Book 2)
Minor spoilers for Book 2, Chapter 17.
I'm a bit confused by something Lockwood says before they head to the Bickerstaff house:
«"Well, it's that time of the afternoon. I'm going to stick a sword into a straw woman. Then I'm off to rest. If half the stories we've heard about this house are true, it's going to be an active night."»
I don't really understand what "stick a sword into a straw woman" means. Is it a British idiom, a historical or cultural reference, or just an expression I'm unfamiliar with?
If it gets explained later in the series, please just let me know that it does. I don't want any spoilers beyond this point. Thanks!