War has always influenced language, creating powerful and evocative expressions that capture the intensity of conflict. These expressions are often used metaphorically in everyday conversation. Here are 20 expressions related to war, each with a short meaning and an example sentence to help you understand their usage.
1. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: Face a difficult situation
Example: It’s time to bite the bullet and start studying.
2. Drop the Bombshell
Meaning: Make a shocking announcement
Example: She dropped the bombshell about her resignation.
3. Call to Arms
Meaning: Summon people to take action
Example: The leader’s speech was a call to arms.
4. Go Over the Top
Meaning: Exceed expectations
Example: His efforts went over the top for the project.
5. Hold Fire
Meaning: Wait before acting
Example: Let’s hold fire on the decision for now.
6. Fight Tooth and Nail
Meaning: Fight fiercely
Example: They fought tooth and nail for the contract.
7. Be in the Trenches
Meaning: Be in a difficult situation
Example: We’ve been in the trenches with this project.
8. Burn Bridges
Meaning: Destroy relationships
Example: Don’t burn bridges with your colleagues.
9. Shoot from the Hip
Meaning: Speak without thinking
Example: He tends to shoot from the hip in meetings.
10. Hit the Target
Meaning: Achieve a goal
Example: We hit the target with our sales campaign.
11. Lay Down the Law
Meaning: Enforce rules strictly
Example: She laid down the law about the new policy.
12. Retreat in Defeat
Meaning: Withdraw in failure
Example: They retreated in defeat after the argument.
13. Draw the Battle Lines
Meaning: Prepare for a confrontation
Example: The debate drew the battle lines between them.
14. Take No Prisoners
Meaning: Be ruthless
Example: In negotiations, she takes no prisoners.
15. Outflank Someone
Meaning: Gain an advantage over
Example: He outflanked his competitors with a clever strategy.
16. Show Your Colors
Meaning: Reveal true intentions
Example: She showed her colors during the crisis.
17. Run the Gauntlet
Meaning: Face a severe trial
Example: He had to run the gauntlet of public criticism.
18. Go Down in Flames
Meaning: Fail spectacularly
Example: The project went down in flames last month.
19. Cross Swords
Meaning: Engage in a dispute
Example: They often cross swords over minor issues.
20. Under Fire
Meaning: Being criticized
Example: The manager was under fire for the delay.
