small-bore
Limited in scope
Small-bore describes something of limited scope, significance, or ambition.
The term comes from firearms—a small-bore rifle has a narrow barrel diameter, typically for target shooting rather than serious hunting or combat.
The figurative use suggests something minor or petty: small-bore political squabbles, small-bore thinking that fails to address the real crisis.
It often carries dismissive connotations, implying that a matter doesn't deserve much attention.
Long-barreled shoulder weapon
- caliberBore diameter or quality
- ammunitionWeapon projectiles and charges
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
- bulletFired metal projectile
barrel · chamber · breech · action · magazine · stock · sights · scope
Object of pursuit
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- marksmanshipAccuracy in shooting
- competitionStruggle for supremacy
- biathlonTwo-sport winter competition
prone · kneeling · standing · bullseye · score · medal · range · athlete
Of small width
- limitedRestricted in extent
- parochialNarrow in perspective
- provincialRegional or narrow-minded
- pettyOf little importance
trivial · minor · insignificant · unambitious · myopic · insular · pedestrian · inconsequential
rifle
Long-barreled shoulder weapon
- caliberBore diameter or quality
- ammunitionWeapon projectiles and charges
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
bullet · barrel · chamber · breech · action · magazine · stock · sights · scope · trigger
target
Object of pursuit
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- marksmanshipAccuracy in shooting
- competitionStruggle for supremacy
biathlon · prone · kneeling · standing · bullseye · score · medal · range · athlete · training
narrow
Of small width
- limitedRestricted in extent
- parochialNarrow in perspective
- provincialRegional or narrow-minded
petty · trivial · minor · insignificant · unambitious · myopic · insular · pedestrian · inconsequential · local
small-boreambitious
Strongly desiring achievement
sweeping · grand · far-reaching · wide-ranging · visionary
small-boreconsequential
Having significant effects
significant · weighty · momentous · substantial · important
small, bore, smaller, smallest, smallish, smallness, bored, bores, boring