shots across the bow

A form of shot across the bow — A warning that negative consequences will be faced if something is carried out or allowed to continue.

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Meanings

noun
  1. pluralplural of shot across the bow
Cite this entry
APA

shots across the bow. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shots%20across%20the%20bow

MLA

“shots across the bow.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shots%20across%20the%20bow. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “shots across the bow,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shots%20across%20the%20bow.

Source: shots across the bow on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.