Idiom Category: War, weapons and conflict, Page 2

Shot across the bow

A shot across the bow is a warning to tell someone to stop doing something or face very serious consequences.

Slap leather

(USA) This is used as an instruction to tell people when to draw their guns.

Smoking gun

A smoking gun is definitive proof of someone's guilt.

Speak softly and carry a big stick

If you speak softly and carry a big stick, you make your case quietly but can back it up forcefully if necessary.

Spike your guns

If you spike someone's guns, you ruin their plans.

Stare down the barrel of a gun

If someone is staring down the barrel of a gun, there's a high risk of something very bad happening.

Stick to your guns

If you stick to your guns, you keep your position even though people attack or criticise you.

Straight as an arrow

A person who is as straight as an arrow is extremely honest and genuine.

Sweat bullets

(USA) If someone is sweating bullets, they're very worried or frightened.

Take the flak

If you take the flak, you are strongly criticised for something.('Take flak' is also used.)

Tell it to the marines

People use this expression when they don't believe someone.

Two-edged sword

If someone uses an argument that could both help them and harm them, then they are using a two-edged sword; it cuts both ways.

Under the gun

If you're under the gun, you're under pressure to do something.

War chest

A war chest is a fund that can be used to finance a campaign like and election or for use in emergencies or unexpected times of difficulty.

War of words

A war of words is a bitter argument between people or organisations, etc.

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