SHOOTING ONE WAD Meaning and
Definition
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The idiomatic phrase "shooting one’s wad" generally means to exert all or a significant amount of one's energy, resources, or efforts in a single undertaking, often resulting in exhaustion or depletion. The term originated from a metaphorical association with firearms, specifically firearms that used paper cartridges. These cartridges contained gunpowder that was ignited when the trigger was pulled. Once the gunpowder had been consumed, the cartridge could no longer be used, leaving the firearm temporarily unable to shoot.
In a figurative sense, "shooting one's wad" refers to expending or using up a finite amount of something, akin to the gunpowder in the cartridge. It implies exerting all available resources, such as physical or mental energy, money, or time, for a specific purpose or effort until depletion occurs. This can be said about an individual or an organization that exhausts its resources in pursuit of a goal.
Furthermore, the phrase can denote a situation where someone invests all their efforts, hopes, or plans in one particular endeavor, often causing disappointment or failure if the outcome does not match their expectations. Similar to firing a gun with a limited supply of gunpowder, once the energy or resources are utilized completely, there may be no further means to continue or sustain the effort. Consequently, "shooting one's wad" often carries a cautionary undertone, advising against exerting all resources in one venture without considering potential consequences or alternatives.
Common Misspellings for SHOOTING ONE WAD
- ahooting one wad
- zhooting one wad
- xhooting one wad
- dhooting one wad
- ehooting one wad
- whooting one wad
- sgooting one wad
- sbooting one wad
- snooting one wad
- sjooting one wad
- suooting one wad
- syooting one wad
- shioting one wad
- shkoting one wad
- shloting one wad
- shpoting one wad
- sh0oting one wad
- sh9oting one wad
- shoiting one wad
- shokting one wad
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