The phrase "misses fire" refers to a failure to achieve a desired outcome. The spelling of "misses fire" can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈmɪsɪz/ /ˈfaɪər/. The first word, "misses," is spelled with two S's to indicate the plural of the noun "miss." The second word, "fire," is spelled with an E at the end to indicate that the vowel sound is a long I, rather than a short I as in the word "fir." Together, these words create a phrase with a unique spelling that refers to a common error or mistake.
The phrase "misses fire" refers to a situation in which a firearm or explosive device fails to ignite or function as expected when triggered or deliberately activated. The term is typically used metaphorically to describe the failure of any planned action or process to achieve the desired outcome.
In a literal sense, when a firearm "misses fire," it means that the gunpowder within the ammunition fails to ignite, resulting in the weapon not discharging the bullet. This could occur due to various reasons such as a faulty primer, insufficient gunpowder, or a defect in the firing mechanism. The failure to fire can have significant implications, potentially preventing harm or injury caused by the weapon.
Figuratively, "misses fire" illustrates a situation in which an intended action or endeavor fails to produce the expected result. This phrase can be applied to a wide range of scenarios beyond firearms, including business plans, projects, attempts at persuasion, or even personal goals. Just like a misfiring firearm, the inability to achieve the desired outcome can often be attributed to various factors such as poor planning, lack of preparation, or unforeseen circumstances.
In summary, "misses fire" primarily denotes the failure of a firearm or explosive device to ignite or perform as intended, but it is more commonly used metaphorically to describe a broader range of failed endeavors or actions in various contexts.
The phrase "misses fire" originated from the combination of two separate words. "Misses" is the third-person singular form of the verb "miss", which means to fail to hit or reach something. The word "fire" refers to the ignition or discharge of a weapon or explosive. Together, "misses fire" indicates that a firearm or explosive device has failed to ignite or discharge properly. The term entered the English language as early as the 17th century.