both barrels, with

1. With full force, as in When I scolded her for stealing, I let her have it with both barrels. This term alludes to firing with both barrels of a double-barreled shotgun. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

I had not seen him come; the sketch-book was in hand; the gun—loaded in both barrels with shot, for cats and the like—lay on the ground; truly a magnificent bungle!

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Ranger Townsend rode through this weak point in the stockade, unloosed both barrels with a bill to end foreign silver purchases.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive

A salute from both barrels, with small shot, scarcely tickled his skin; but it brought him once more on his legs, though only to fall again,—when, having reloaded, I advanced on him and administered a double dose in his ear, which had the desired effect.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

I held in my hands a double-barrel, loaded in both barrels with large-sized buck-shot; my companion’s weapon was a long Spanish rifle.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Very carefully that sultry afternoon he cleaned his old hammer shotgun, and, loading both barrels with buckshot, set it handy beside the door.

Read more on Project Gutenberg