fire blanks
Discharge empty rounds
To fire blanks is to shoot a gun loaded with blank cartridges—rounds that produce noise and flash but no projectile.
The phrase extends to any effort that looks real but produces no result.
Most commonly, it refers to male infertility: The doctor told him he was firing blanks.
The metaphor suggests going through the motions without effect.
- stage combatSimulated theatrical violence
- theatrical productionLive performed dramatic work
- action sceneExciting film segment
- stunt coordinationManaging performed dangerous sequences
- shellHard outer covering
movie set · starter pistol · cap gun · pop · flash · smoke · primer · historical reenactment · bang · loud noise · pyrotechnics · military drill · prop gun · live ammunition · gun safety · cartridge · recoil · casing
fire blankshit the mark
Achieve intended result
make an impact · pack a punch · succeed · bear fruit · make a dent
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