hand grenade

American  

noun

1. a grenade or explosive shell that is thrown by hand and exploded either by impact or by means of a fuze.

2. a grenade or glass missile containing a chemical, for extinguishing fire.

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hand grenade British  

noun

1. a small metal or plastic canister containing explosives, usually activated by a short fuse and used in close combat

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Etymology

Origin of hand grenade

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Card had been an instructor at an Army hand grenade training range, where it is believed he was exposed to thousands of low-level blasts.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2024

It’s a hand grenade of a question that will no doubt be lobbed at “Dune: Part Two,” as it is, sometimes, at 1962’s soaring “Lawrence of Arabia,” a saga that was an influence on Herbert.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024

Malinsgate station in Telford was evacuated after the hand grenade was brought in and handed to staff at the front counter.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2023

“The way he comes back at people is truly amazing. He’s out there juggling a razor, a hand grenade and a cobra — and being funny at the same time.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 19, 2023

Or, more precisely, he’d keep asking questions, keep sighing and staring at the car like it was a hand grenade, until Toby finally told him the truth.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss