fired in anger
Shot while furious
Fired in anger describes a weapon discharged with intent to harm or kill, as opposed to training, testing, or ceremonial use.
A soldier who has never fired in anger has never shot at an actual enemy.
The phrase appears most often in military contexts: The new rifle had yet to be fired in anger.
Despite the wording, it refers to combat conditions rather than the shooter's emotional state.
- warning shotIntentionally missed shot conveying threat
- rageIntense, violent anger
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
pulled the trigger · point of no return · impulsivity · fury · blind rage · vengeance · crime of passion · regret · hot-headed · short fuse · heat of the moment · hostility · trigger · outburst · ammunition · projectile · conflict · frustration