flaming onion
Originally used during World War I, the term "flaming onion" has evolved from describing a specific type of weaponry to having more varied, modern meanings.
Definition
C2World War I
(historical, military, slang)A 37mm revolving-barrel anti-aircraft gun used by the German army, known for firing pyrotechnic shells that created a string of glowing lights.
Example
- Allied pilots dreaded encountering the flaming onion during their missions.
C2World War I
(historical, military, slang)The pyrotechnic shells fired by the 37mm anti-aircraft gun, which produced a series of bright, glowing balls.
Example
- The sky lit up with the flaming onions as the anti-aircraft guns opened fire.
B2Modern Usage
(humorous, metaphorical)A term used humorously or metaphorically, often to refer to a dramatic or fiery presentation, such as in cooking shows.
Example
- The chef created a flaming onion volcano to entertain the guests.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "flaming onion":
onion ringonion smutflaming swordonion seedonion smudgeonion grassflame upflame treespring onionflame out