shoot from the hip
shoot from the hip
To speak or act rashly, recklessly, or bluntly, without consideration of potential consequences. An allusion to firing a handgun immediately upon drawing it from its holster without taking time to aim. The country's prime minister has gained a reputation for shooting from the hip, issuing executive orders without consulting members of parliament. The boss tends to shoot from the hip, so don't take what he says too personally.
See also: hip, shoot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
shoot from the hip
1. Lit. to fire a gun that is held at one's side, beside one's hip. (This increases one's speed in firing a gun but is much less accurate.) When I lived at home on the farm, my father taught me to shoot from the hip. I quickly shot the snake before it bit my horse. I'm glad I learned to shoot from the hip.
2. Fig. to speak directly and frankly. (Alluding to the rapidness of firing a gun from the hip.) John has a tendency to shoot from the hip, but he generally speaks the truth. Don't pay any attention to John. He means no harm. It's just his nature to shoot from the hip.
See also: hip, shoot
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
shoot from the hip
Speak or act recklessly or impulsively, as in Steve isn't very tactful; indeed, he's known for shooting from the hip. This expression transfers the fast shooting accomplished by drawing a gun from a holster and shooting without raising it to quick speaking or acting. [Slang; mid-1900s] For a similar transfer, see shoot off one's mouth.
See also: hip, shoot
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
shoot from the hip
If someone shoots from the hip, they react to situations very quickly and forcefully, without thinking about the consequences. They criticized his readiness to shoot from the hip. She claimed that she did not shoot from the hip. She liked to think hard and long before taking decisions. Note: You can also say that someone fires from the hip with the same meaning. He certainly has a tendency to fire from the hip — to be impulsive. Note: The image here is of a cowboy removing his gun from its holster and firing immediately, without raising it to take aim.
See also: hip, shoot
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
shoot from the hip
react suddenly or without careful consideration of your words or actions. informalSee also: hip, shoot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
ˌshoot from the ˈhip
react quickly without thinking carefully first: As a manager, he was sometimes accused of shooting from the hip, but he was always popular with his colleagues.This refers to firing a shot from a handgun immediately after taking it from your belt, without taking proper aim.
See also: hip, shoot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
shoot from the hip
in. to speak quickly and without thinking. (see also hip-shooter.) She has a tendency to shoot from the hip, but that’s not really a problem.
See also: hip, shoot
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
shoot from the hip
Slang To act or speak on a matter without forethought.
See also: hip, shoot
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- fire from the hip
- hip-shooter
- like a bull at a gate
- beat (one) to the draw
- hot head
- hothead
- end game
- morning tent
- hand on the baton
- baton