fire (one's) pistol in the air



fire (one's) pistol in the air

1. In a duel, to shoot one's firearm into the air to avoid injuring the other party. A: "Did I just hear a gunshot? Is the duel over?" B: "Sir Edmund fired his pistol into the air, so Master William is unscathed."
2. To avoid harshly criticizing or otherwise hurting someone during an argument or debate. I usually fire my pistol in the air in these sorts of debates—I hate hurting people's feelings.
See also: air, fire, pistol

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
FlorenceFLAWR-ənts (English), flo-RAWNS (French)English, French
RonnyRAH-neeEnglish
Zisel-Yiddish
Asim-Turkish
HÜSnÜ-Turkish
FelixFE-liks (German, Swedish), FAY-liks (Dutch), FEE-liks (English)German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, English, Romanian, Ancient Roman, Biblical, Biblical Lati