# shots fired

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shots-fired
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to indicate that one finds a statement or action derisive or combative.

## Examples

- Shots fired, he really just insulted your cooking like that.
- When she told him his presentation was completely outdated, the rest of the team whispered, shots fired.
- The politician’s sharp critique of his opponent’s record was so direct that the audience immediately reacted as if shots fired.

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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.