hangfire

Pause before firing

Hangfire is a delay between pulling a trigger and the gun actually firing—a dangerous malfunction where the cartridge doesn't ignite immediately.

The term extends to any similar delay or hesitation: The project went into hangfire while they sorted out funding.

In British usage, to be in hangfire means to be held in suspense or left waiting.

ballistics

delayed

Made to wait longer

ignitionStarting combustion process
cartridgeSealed container for supplies
ammunitionWeapon projectiles and charges

firearm · gunpowder · primer · trigger · percussion · caplock · flintlock · breech · chamber · barrel

delay

waiting

Remaining in expectation

pauseTemporary cessation of activity
hesitationDelay from uncertainty
suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes

postponement · deferment · holdup · stalling · linger · hiatus · standby · intermission · suspension · adjournment

malfunction

jam

Cooked fruit spread

faultImperfection or blame
glitchMinor system fault
defectInherent imperfection or fault

failure · error · snag · flaw · dud · unreliable · unpredictable · dangerous · volatile · hazardous

Categories

gun safetygun safety, trigger discipline, safe storage, gun safe, trigger lock
gun malfunctionsjam, squib, stovepipe, cook off
antique firearmsmusket, matchlock, muzzleloader, harquebus, Brown Bess
gunfireshoot, gunshot, gunfire, blast, report
Shootingmarksmanship, target shooting, rifle shooting, competitive shooting, sport shooting

Opposites

ignition timing

hangfireflash fire

Brief, intense sudden combustion

action responsiveness

hangfiresnap decision

Instant, unreflective determination

hair-trigger · instantaneous · prompt · quick reaction · rapid fire

decisiveness

hangfiredecisiveness

Ability to choose firmly

promptness · alacrity · dispatch · expedition · unhesitating

Family

fire, hang, fired, hanging, firing, fires, campfire, bonfire, misfire

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated PG