# have one's finger on the trigger

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-ones-finger-on-the-trigger
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be prepared to kill someone else or as with a firearm.

## Examples

- The soldier has his finger on the trigger.
- The guard stood at the gate with his finger on the trigger, watching for any sign of movement.
- With his finger on the trigger and his heart racing, he waited in the shadows for the intruder to enter the room.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.