empty the clip
The phrase "empty the clip" originated from firearm terminology and has evolved to include various idiomatic uses in different contexts.
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Definition
B2Firearms
(literal, chiefly US)To fire all the bullets in the magazine of a gun.
Example
- The soldier emptied the clip during the intense firefight.
C1Sports
(idiomatic, chiefly US)To compete with maximum effort, often by making numerous attempts to score.
Example
- The team emptied the clip in the final quarter, trying to overcome the deficit.
C1Conversation
(idiomatic, chiefly US)To speak forcefully, often in an outraged or insulting manner.
Example
- During the heated debate, she emptied the clip on her opponent, leaving no argument unchallenged.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "empty the clip":
banana clipshoot one's loadpull the triggerfield stripshoot one's wad