Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

spike someone's guns

idiom
/spaɪk ˈsʌmˌwʌnz ɡʌnz/
Definition
To undermine someone’s plans or intentions, especially by taking preemptive action.
Examples
  • They thought they had a solid plan until she decided to spike their guns at the last minute.
  • The unexpected report from the rival company spiked their guns right before the launch.
Meaning
This phrase is often used in a figurative sense to describe a situation where one person tries to disrupt or thwart another’s strategy or efforts.
Synonyms
  • Undermine
  • Thwart
  • Foil
  • Sabotage