Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
a-shot-across-the-bow
idiom
ə ʃɒt əˈkrɔːs ðə baʊ
Definition
A warning or signal indicating that someone should change their behavior or direction.
Examples
- After his comments, the manager issued a shot across the bow, warning the employees about their performance.
- The government sent a shot across the bow to the neighboring country, suggesting there would be consequences for their actions.
Meaning
The phrase is often used to suggest that a person or group is being cautioned about a potential consequence if they continue on their current path.
Synonyms
- warning
- caution
- alert
