# use in anger

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/use-in-anger
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used for its intended purpose, as opposed to e.g. practice or testing

## Examples

- He finally used his new camera in anger during the wedding.
- 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.

## Origin

Derived by extension from the military phrase fire in anger, which distinguishes the discharge of a weapon in combat from its use in practice or ceremonial salutes.

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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.