shot across the bow
A warning that negative consequences will be faced if something is carried out or allowed to continue.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The manager gave us a shot across the bow about our late reports.”
“Her sharp look is a shot across the bow to stop talking.”
“The regulator issued a shot across the bow, warning the company that further violations would lead to heavy fines.”
“The landlord sent a shot across the bow by mailing a formal notice after the tenant missed only one day of rent.”
“The teacher fired a shot across the bow by taking away the student's phone for five minutes to prevent further distractions during the final exam.”
“By canceling the contract, the client fired a shot across the bow, signaling that they would no longer tolerate the firm's consistent failure to meet deadlines.”
Derived from the naval practice of discharging a cannonball over the front portion of an opposing vessel. The projectile was intended to miss the hull but cross its path, providing a visual and auditory signal for the ship to stop or alter its course. As a method of communication, it was considered more economical than a broadside and significantly less paperwork than a sinking.
- 01
another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 02
big shot
A person with a reputation of importance or power.
- 03
bow and scrape
To behave in a servile, obsequious, or excessively polite manner.
- 04
bow down
To bow, to bend oneself as a gesture of deference or respect.
- 05
bow down before the porcelain god
Synonym of worship the porcelain god (“to vomit into a toilet bowl”).
- 06
bow out
To resign, or leave, with one's credibility or reputation still intact.
- 07
chip shot
Something that is easy to do or to achieve.
- 08
draw a long bow
To lie; to exaggerate.
Last updated August 10, 2026