Author Topic: Well Son-of-a-Gun  (Read 12919 times)

Offline DeeDubya

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Well Son-of-a-Gun
« on: April 19, 2011, 03:33:15 PM »
Some years ago I started a collection of shooting/firearms related adages that are a colorful and meaningful part of our heritage. I've seen several other lists, none of which were very different than mine. However, I'm positive some of you have some of your own or maybe a different definition of the adage itself. I'm hoping GW can allow global editing for this thread so that anyone can add their own. If this is too far out, boring or otherwise worthless, give the word and I will delete it.
 
OK, Shoot - proceed, get on with it, do it
Straight Shooter - an honest man (person)
Taking Aim - choose a direction for some endeavor
Bullseye - when a statement is correct
Bring a Lot of Ammunition - be well prepared to support one's idea
Shooting Blanks - empty argument, sterile
Jumping the Gun - begin before it's time to start (starter pistol, track race)
Under the Gun - under pressure, all eyes are on you
Cheap Shot - taking advantage when another is vulnerable
In Your Crosshairs - knowing with certainty that your goal is achievable, focused
Riding Shotgun - supporting another's endeavor, riding in the passenger's seat
Take Your Best Shot - to do your best with a single effort
Sweatin' Bullets - very nervous about a stressful situation
Take a Shot at it - to try, regardless of the outcome
I Have My Sights Set On - to set a goal
Hotter Than a Two Dollar Pistol - stolen goods, probably not worth the asking price
Son of a Gun - not as crude as son-of-a-B****, B**t**d child
Lock, Stock and Barrel - complete, everything included
Shootin' From the Hip - to proceed aimlessly
A Shot In the Dark - to guess, without certainty or direction
Fire Away - to proceed with enthusiasm
Loaded for Bear - prepared for the worst
Shotgun Wedding - marriage without parental consent
Bite the Bullet - to proceed with a painful decision
Keep Your Powder Dry - taking precautiion to not fail
On Target - certain of one's direction, accurate assumption
Dry as a Powerhouse - very dry, secure, safe, concealed
Go Off Half Cocked - to begin without preparation, erectile disfunction
Stick to Your Guns - to play it safe, to uphold a specific opinion
To Go Ballistic - loose control, progress faster than is desirable
In The Line of Fire - to be involved in an argument between others
Set Your Sights High - set your goals high
Up In Arms - highly agitated, beyond reason, guarded
Look For a Smoking Gun - look for evidence
Johnny Get Your Gun - get ready for a volatile situation as in the 1917 patriotic song's lyrics
Hair Trigger - very unstable, possibly unsafe, precarious
« Last Edit: May 06, 2011, 04:30:50 PM by DeeDubya »
DW
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"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."
~ James D. Miles

Offline GhostWarrior

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Re: Well Son-of-a-Gun
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2011, 04:44:26 PM »
well if I can figure out how to I will. We need a fun topic everyone can play with.
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Offline ZG47

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Re: Well Son-of-a-Gun
« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2011, 08:33:02 PM »
Meaning of son of a gun:
 
The British Royal Navy ships (back in the days of sail) sometimes carried women, who fulfilled various roles. It is my understanding that when a boy child was born to one of these women ,and the parentage was indeterminate ... he was referred to as a son of a gun.
 
I am not an expert on naval history, but if you contact the naval museum at the original Portsmouth they should be able to confirm or deny what I have read.
A good shot at close range beats a 'hit' at a longer range.

Offline DeeDubya

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Re: Well Son-of-a-Gun
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2011, 07:23:25 AM »
Meaning of son of a gun:
 
The British Royal Navy ships (back in the days of sail) sometimes carried women, who fulfilled various roles. It is my understanding that when a boy child was born to one of these women ,and the parentage was indeterminate ... he was referred to as a son of a gun.
 
I am not an expert on naval history, but if you contact the naval museum at the original Portsmouth they should be able to confirm or deny what I have read.
Yes, I read that somewhere. Probably true and over the years was generalized to mean any male B**t**d child.
 
DW
CRA / NRA  Protect Your Rights
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."
~ James D. Miles