pull the trigger
Commit to action
To pull the trigger is literally to fire a gun by squeezing its trigger mechanism.
Figuratively, it means to make a decisive move or commit to action after deliberation: We've been thinking about buying a house for years—it's time to pull the trigger.
The phrase emphasizes the moment of no return, when hesitation ends and consequences begin.
Bind to a course
- decideReach a conclusion
- chooseSelect from alternatives
- actDeed or performance
- resolveFirmness of purpose
determine · finalize · conclude · take the plunge · go for it · seal the deal · cross the Rubicon · bite the bullet
To set going
kick off · set in motion · greenlight · commence · initiate · spark · unleash · get the ball rolling
Final opportunity phrase
- crunch timeHigh-pressure final stretch
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- pressureForce upon contact
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
split-second · snap decision · heat of the moment · under the gun · do-or-die · critical moment · window closing · last chance
Results following an event
- falloutPost-blast atmospheric particles
- repercussionsIndirect results of actions
- ramificationsResulting effects or outcomes
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
domino effect · irreversible · no turning back · blowback · ripple effect · unintended consequences · what's done is done · permanent
commit
Bind to a course
resolve · determine · finalize · conclude · take the plunge · go for it · seal the deal · cross the Rubicon · bite the bullet · take the leap
start
To set going
execute · kick off · set in motion · greenlight · commence · initiate · spark · unleash · get the ball rolling · put in motion
now or never
Final opportunity phrase
- crunch timeHigh-pressure final stretch
- deadlineTime limit for completion
- pressureForce upon contact
time-sensitive · split-second · snap decision · heat of the moment · under the gun · do-or-die · critical moment · window closing · last chance · high stakes
aftermath
Results following an event
- falloutPost-blast atmospheric particles
- repercussionsIndirect results of actions
- ramificationsResulting effects or outcomes
chain reaction · domino effect · irreversible · no turning back · blowback · ripple effect · unintended consequences · what's done is done · permanent · final
- decisionschoice, make a decision, choices, yes, no
pull the triggerhold back
Prevent forward movement
sit on one's hands · do nothing · hesitate · hold fire · freeze
pull the triggerback out
Withdraw from commitment
back down · get cold feet · walk away · chicken out · bail
pull the triggerhold fire
Command to pause attacking
stand down · cease and desist · put the brakes on · stop short · defuse