English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Shoot from the hip
Meaning
The idiom "shoot from the hip" means to act quickly and decisively without deliberation or hesitation. It implies that the person is not thinking about their actions before they take them, but rather relying on their instincts and gut feeling.
Usage
- The manager decided to shoot from the hip and fired the employee on the spot for stealing office supplies.
- During the high-pressure game, the quarterback had to shoot from the hip and make split-second decisions.
- When faced with a difficult situation, some people prefer to shoot from the hip and take action without thinking it through.
- The politician was criticized for shooting from the hip and making impulsive statements that hurt his image.
- The artist created her painting in a frenzy, shooting from the hip and letting her emotions guide her brush strokes.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom is not completely certain, but one theory suggests that it comes from the old-fashioned practice of firing a gun without taking aim or sighting. This was considered reckless and impulsive, much like shooting from the hip in today's language. Another theory connects the idiom to the idea of "shooting straight" or being honest and straightforward. In this case, shooting from the hip would mean acting quickly and decisively without any filter or hesitation, which could be seen as a virtue in some contexts.
Synonyms in English
- Act quickly without hesitation
- Make split-second decisions
- Go with your gut feeling
- Trust your instincts
- Take action impulsively
Synonyms in other languages
- English: "shoot from the hip"
- French: "agir sans hésiter"
- Spanish: "actuar sin vacilación"
- German: "unbedingt aktieren"
- Italian: "agire senza esitazione"