fire (one's) pistol in the air
fire (one's) pistol in the air
1. In a duel, to shoot one's firearm into the air to avoid injuring the other party. A: "Did I just hear a gunshot? Is the duel over?" B: "Sir Edmund fired his pistol into the air, so Master William is unscathed."
2. To avoid harshly criticizing or otherwise hurting someone during an argument or debate. I usually fire my pistol in the air in these sorts of debates—I hate hurting people's feelings.
See also: air, fire, pistol
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- pistol
- beat (one) to the draw
- miss fire
- measure swords
- slow on the draw
- thrust and parry
- at (one's) doorstep
- at (one's) expense
- (one's) day in court
- (from) top to toe