open fire

Idioms and Phrases

Begin a verbal attack, as in In her second letter to the editor she opened fire, saying the reporter had deliberately misquoted her . This idiom alludes to discharging a firearm. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

A legacy so strong that often farmers open fire on the army when it enters the area to try to destroy fields.

From The Daily Beast

It is possible that there was a provocation in order to force Ukrainians to open fire.

From The Daily Beast

That fear is that Purim and its Megilla (the Book of Esther) would inspire a wannabe to open fire on a group of innocents.

From The Daily Beast

Farmers immediately evacuated their fields, fearing troops would open fire, they said.

From The Daily Beast

Lucky for me, they are often served together, rubbed with spices and grilled to perfection on an open fire.

From The Daily Beast

Rue's threat to open fire brought Morgan to terms, when another issue was raised.

From Project Gutenberg

Stoves were known, but most commonly heat was obtained from an open fire in the centre of the building.

From Project Gutenberg

In our dressing-room, which was an extra chamber, an open fire burned, but in our chamber there was no heat.

From Project Gutenberg

We determined to take all the chances, and to open fire as soon as they came within range.

From Project Gutenberg

The gunners stood beside their guns, ready to open fire if the Rebels opposed them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• barrage
• batter
• besiege
• blast
• blitz
• bomb
• harass
• hound
• pester
• strafe