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a shot across the bow

a warning of more serious action

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

(idiom) a warning or threat intended to make someone stop or change their behavior without causing direct harm

Examples

• The CEO's resignation was a shot across the bow for the board of directors.

How to use a shot across the bow

This idiom originates from naval warfare, where a warning shot fired in front of an enemy ship signaled an intention to attack if it did not comply. Today it is used figuratively in business, politics, and interpersonal contexts to describe an initial threat or warning meant to discourage continued behavior without yet causing full consequences. It typically implies a measured escalation or first-stage action.

Common phrases

• fire a shot across the bow
• a shot across the bow of
• take a shot across the bow
• send a shot across the bow

Synonyms

a warning shot · a stern warning · a cautionary signal · a threat

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse this with 'take a shot at' (to attempt or criticize someone), which is a different idiom entirely.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

an uphill battle, the buck stops here, rock the boat, a band-aid solution, weather the storm, turn the tide

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained