He finally used his new camera in anger during the wedding.
use in anger
idiomUsed for its intended purpose, as opposed to e.g. practice or testing
Origin
disputed originBy extension, from fire in anger.
The team spent months testing the software, but they only saw how it performed when they used it in anger during the live launch.
Although the prototype had performed flawlessly in the laboratory, the engineers remained anxious until the system was finally used in anger under actual combat conditions.
- 01
use a sledgehammer to crack a nut
To use disproportionate or significantly excessive force to carry out an action; to do something overzealously.
- 02
use one's head
To think carefully, especially as an alternative to being guided by one's emotions.
- 03
use one's noggin
To think, especially in a careful or clever manner.