The term “warning shot” refers to a firearm discharge that is intended to serve as a warning rather than to inflict harm. It is a shot fired to signal to others to either back down or reconsider their actions. The phrase often conveys the idea of making a statement or taking action to deter potential threats or aggression.
"Warning shot" is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts, frequently appearing in discussions of law enforcement, military operations, self-defense situations, and conflict resolution. It is not exceedingly formal, so it can appear in a variety of communication settings, including news reports, movies, and everyday conversations.
The term is more prevalent in news media and in discussions of law enforcement issues. It may be less frequently encountered in casual conversation.
The police fired a warning shot into the air to disperse the aggressive crowd.
La policía disparó un tiro de advertencia al aire para dispersar a la multitud agresiva.
After several failed negotiations, the company issued a warning shot to its competitors about their pricing practices.
Después de varias negociaciones fallidas, la empresa lanzó un tiro de advertencia a sus competidores sobre sus prácticas de precios.
The coach sent a warning shot to the players that their poor performance this season could lead to consequences.
El entrenador lanzó un tiro de advertencia a los jugadores de que su mal desempeño esta temporada podría tener consecuencias.
The term “warning shot” can also be part of various idiomatic expressions used in different contexts.
"They took the warning shot seriously and decided to change their strategy."
Tomaron el tiro de advertencia en serio y decidieron cambiar su estrategia.
"In business, a warning shot can mean a competitor is about to lower their prices."
En los negocios, un tiro de advertencia puede significar que un competidor está a punto de bajar sus precios.
"When the government issued a warning shot about the economy, many investors started to pull back."
Cuando el gobierno lanzó un tiro de advertencia sobre la economía, muchos inversores empezaron a retroceder.
"The parent gave a warning shot to their child to stop misbehaving."
El padre dio un tiro de advertencia a su hijo para que dejara de comportarse mal.
"His comments were a warning shot for the team to step up their efforts."
Sus comentarios fueron un tiro de advertencia para que el equipo intensificara sus esfuerzos.
The term "warning shot" is derived from the combination of "warning," which comes from the Old English 'warnian,' meaning to make aware or advise, and "shot," which originates from the Old English 'sceotan,' meaning to discharge a projectile. The term began to be used in modern language during the 20th century, particularly in military and law enforcement contexts.
Synonyms:
- Cautionary shot
- Signal shot
- Deterrent shot
Antonyms:
- Fatal shot
- Decisive shot
- Intentional shot