bring a knife to a gunfight
To enter into a confrontation or other challenging situation without being adequately equipped or prepared.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You are bringing a knife to a gunfight with that weak argument.”
“The small company tried to compete with the industry giant, but they were clearly bringing a knife to a gunfight.”
“By entering the complex legal debate without any supporting evidence or expert testimony, the young lawyer realized he had brought a knife to a gunfight.”
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bring a lump to someone's throat
To engender a strong emotional reaction.
- 02
bring back to life
To return someone to a state of consciousness or living after a state of unconsciousness, death or near-death.
- 03
bring down the curtain
To bring something to an end.
- 04
bring down the hammer
To treat very harshly.
- 05
bring down the house
To garner enthusiastic or wild applause or laughter.
- 06
bring forward
To call up for consideration.
- 07
bring home
To earn (money).
- 08
bring home the bacon
To have employment which provides remuneration to satisfy the basic needs of oneself and one's family.
Last updated August 10, 2026