# slap leather

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/slap-leather
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a quick motion to draw one's handgun from its holster, especially in a duel in the Old West.

## Examples

- The sheriff had to slap leather when the outlaw reached for his gun.
- In the dusty street, the two rivals waited for the signal to slap leather and settle their argument.
- As the tension reached its peak, the gunslinger prepared to slap leather, knowing that only one man would walk away from the encounter.

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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.