Have shot your bolt

usgb
verb phrase

To have used up all of your efforts or resources and not have the ability to do any more.

The politician has shot his bolt on the campaign trail, and has nothing new to offer to the voters.
Visual representation of "have shot your bolt" - To have used up all of your efforts or resources and not have the ability to do any more.

Often appears as...

  • he has shot his bolt
  • i have shot my bolt

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have shot your bolt"
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Metaphorical Origin

The phrase comes from crossbow archery, where a 'bolt' is a type of arrow, symbolizing used-up effort.

Illustration for Metaphorical Origin
After applying to dozens of jobs without success, I felt I had shot my bolt.
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Common Misuse

Don't confuse it with 'shooting oneself in the foot', which means causing self-harm by mistake.

Illustration for Common Misuse
He didn't shoot himself in the foot; he simply had shot his bolt with nowhere to go.
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Use in Failure

It's often used when someone has failed after giving their all, not just when they're tired.

Illustration for Use in Failure
The team had shot their bolt in the first half and lost the game.
Visual representation of the word "Have shot your bolt"

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