fire a shot across the bow
fire a shot across the bow
To do something as a warning. The phrase refers to a warning shot from a ship. She fired a shot across the bow, letting her boyfriend know that she would not tolerate his bad attitude.
See also: across, bow, fire, shot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- (one) can whistle for it
- a turn of phrase
- a mystery to (one)
- appear to
- able to do
- able to do it
- a change of heart
- a shoulder to cry on
- a piece of the action
- a piece/slice of the action