shoot (one's) fox
shoot (one's) fox
To undermine or thwart someone's plans, efforts, or ambitions by taking action that pre-empts them or makes them redundant. Primarily heard in UK. Congress may have shot the president's fox, though, with a bill that he cannot politically afford to veto, but which leaves him with no opportunity to pass his signature healthcare plan.
See also: fox, shoot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
shoot someone's fox
thwart someone's plans or ambitions by pre-empting them.The expression comes from the world of fox-hunting, where shooting a fox, which robs the hunters of their sport, is viewed with great displeasure.
2004 Scotland on Sunday The Democrats had planned to make unemployment a key issue in their campaign: Dubya, with his tax cuts, has shot their fox.
See also: fox, shoot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- shoot someone's fox
- cut off at the pass, to
- from the Department of the Bleeding Obvious
- cover
- grab (someone or something) by the throat
- grab someone by the throat
- grab someone/something by the throat
- get someone's dander up, to
- help (someone) along
- help along