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Synonyms

open fire

Idioms  
  1. 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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Oli has denied he had told the police to open fire on protesters.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Williams was on a mission near the peninsula’s north when he saw seven of the Soviet jets appear and eventually open fire, according to a Defense Department account.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Hearing Nat King Cole croon about chestnuts roasting on an open fire dozens of times is one of the many reminders that fireplaces are luxuries most of us don’t have.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

To help with the pine needle drop, she also advises putting it in a cooler part of your house, away from radiators or open fire.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

There is something very comforting about an open fire.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

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