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Meaning of 'Shot across the bow'

What does the saying 'Shot across the bow' mean?

Idiom: Shot across the bow

Meaning:

A shot across the bow is a warning to tell someone to stop doing something or face very serious consequences.
Country: International English | Subject Area: War, weapons and conflict | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
All idioms have been editorially reviewed. Submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
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