# open fire

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/open-fire
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To begin firing (weapons) at something or someone.

## Examples

- The soldiers received orders to open fire on the target.
- The commander waited for the enemy to get closer before he gave the signal to open fire.
- Despite the diplomatic efforts to maintain peace, the skirmish escalated rapidly when the defensive line received the command to open fire upon the advancing infantry.

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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.