shooting one's wad
Spending all resources
Shooting one's wad means expending all one's resources or energy at once, leaving nothing in reserve.
The phrase originated in gambling (betting one's entire wad of cash) and firearms (firing a gun's wadding).
He shot his wad in the first quarter and had nothing left for the finish.
The expression sometimes carries a vulgar double meaning referring to male ejaculation, which has made it awkward in formal settings.
- gunpowderCombustible propellant mixture
- going all outExerting total effort
- going for brokeWagering everything you have
- hitting the wallAbrupt energy depletion
- running on emptyOperating without remaining resources
overextending · burnout · overplaying one's hand · black powder · biting off more than one can chew · maxing out · premature · blowing one's load · ramrod · flintlock · spent · all in · breech-loading · muzzle-loading · percussion cap · cartridge · musket ball · last round
shooting one's wadrationing
Limiting distribution during scarcity
economizing · squirreling away · holding back · budgeting · stockpiling
shooting one's wadbiding one's time
Patiently awaiting opportunity
holding back · keeping one's powder dry · doling out · playing it cool · slow and steady