The term "tercio de muerte" refers to a specific phase in a traditional Spanish bullfighting event. It is one of the three parts of the fight, where the matador confronts the bull after it has been weakened by the picadors and banderilleros. This phase is crucial as it showcases the matador's skill and artistry in handling the bull. During the tercio de muerte, the matador uses a muleta, a red cape, to perform a series of passes, demonstrating control and elegance. The goal is to ultimately kill the bull in a manner that is both efficient and respectful, culminating the performance with a final thrust of the sword.