shot across the bows
Cautionary cannon fire
A shot across the bows is a warning intended to halt or deter someone's course of action.
The phrase comes from naval warfare, where firing near but not at an approaching ship signaled a demand to stop.
Now used figuratively: The lawsuit was a shot across the bows, meant to discourage further criticism.
The warning is pointed but stops short of direct attack.
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
- figurativeRepresenting through imagery
- intimationIndirect indication of something
- wake-up callJolt into awareness
- warningAlert about danger
notice · phrase · idiom · symbolic gesture · brinkmanship · expression · admonition · cannon fire · deterrence · preemptive strike · threats · power play · military strategy · military · gunboat diplomacy · signals · naval warfare · navy
shot across the bowsdirect hit
Strike exactly on target
kill shot · fatal blow · coup de grâce · broadside · going for the jugular
shot across the bowsolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
peace offering · gesture of goodwill · white flag · warm embrace · open arms
shot across the bowsolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
peace offering · gesture of goodwill · warm welcome · open arms · reassurance
across, shoots, shooting, shooter, shooters, shots, cross, crossed, crosses