warning shot across the bow(s)
warning shot across the bow(s)
A display of strength or aggression meant to serve as a warning to others. It refers to a warning shot from a ship, and can take the form of words or actions. Her sharp retort was a warning shot across the bow, letting her boyfriend know that she would not tolerate his bad attitude. The president is planning a military exercise along the border as a warning shot across the bows of her neighbors to the east.
See also: across, shot, warning
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
a warning shot across the bows
a statement or gesture intended to frighten someone into changing their course of action.Literally, a shot fired in front of the bows of a ship is one which is not intended to hit it but to make it stop or alter course.
See also: across, bow, shot, warning
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a warning shot across the bows
- a shot across somebody's bows
- a shot across the bows
- shot across the bow(s)
- fire a shot across the bow
- earmuff
- display of force
- a show of force
- across
- bow