A shot across the/somebody’s bows
phrase
A warning that someone should stop doing something or prepare for serious trouble.
The teacher's stern note to the parents was a shot across the bow, hinting at possible expulsion if the student's behavior did not improve.
Often appears as...
- send a shot across the bows
- take a shot across the bows
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A warning that someone should stop doing something or prepare for serious trouble.
The teacher's stern note to the parents was a shot across the bow, hinting at possible expulsion if the student's behavior did not improve.
Often appears as...
- send a shot across the bows
- take a shot across the bows
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Origin
Originally a naval term, signaling a warning shot without intent to harm, now used metaphorically.
The CEO's comment about layoffs was a shot across the bow to underperforming departments.
Pro Tip 2/3Serious Consequences
Implies that if the warning is ignored, there will be serious, possibly harsh consequences.
The ultimatum was a clear shot across the bow to the competitors.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is figurative and does not refer to actual shots or bows from a ship.
Her public criticism was a shot across the bow to the committee.
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