trigger-happy
Học thuậtThân thiện
A police officer was criticized for being trigger-happy during the tense standoff.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Irresponsible in the use of firearms; inclined to shoot quickly and without sufficient justification. This describes a person who is too ready or eager to use a gun, often without proper cause or careful thought.
- Marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently. In a broader, more figurative sense, it describes someone who is very quick to react in an aggressive, forceful, or extreme manner.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Literal - firearms):
- The trigger-happy guard fired a warning shot at the slightest noise.
- Soldiers were warned not to be trigger-happy in the crowded city.
- Adjective (Figurative - aggressive reaction):
- The manager is known for being trigger-happy with dismissals.
- He has a trigger-happy approach to launching new products without proper testing.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used critically or disapprovingly to highlight reckless or dangerous behavior.
- It can be applied to systems or automated processes:
Variants and Related Words
- Trigger (verb/noun): The device or action that initiates something. The adjective "trigger-happy" is derived from this word.
- Gun-happy: A less common synonym with a very similar meaning.
Synonyms
- Reckless: Acting without thinking about danger or consequences.
- Impulsive: Acting suddenly without planning or consideration.
- Bellicose: Demonstrating aggression and a willingness to fight.
- Hair-trigger: (Adjective) Describing a temper or reaction that is very quick and explosive.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Quick on the draw: Literally means fast at pulling a gun; figuratively means fast to react.
- She's quick on the draw with clever comebacks in a debate.
- Jump the gun: To start something too early or before the proper time.
- They jumped the gun by announcing the deal before the contract was signed.
A police officer was criticized for being trigger-happy during the tense standoff.
Adjective
- marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
- fierce loyalty
- in a tearing rage
- vehement dislike
- violent passions
- irresponsible in the use of firearms