Do you know what a luau, a cabin and a war movie have in common? They are all related to our expression today! Curious? Then keep reading to find out the meanings of open fire !
The expression open fire can function as a noun and mean both “bonfire”, the kind made outdoors at luaus or campsites, and “fireplace” , so common in chalets and houses in very cold regions.
It is worth noting that open fire meaning “fireplace” is more common in British English, as Americans prefer to say fireplace .
Open fire can also refer to “opening fire” , that is, starting to shoot with a weapon. By extension, the expression “opening fire” can also be used figuratively, in the sense of verbally attacking.
I bet you didn’t know all these meanings of open fire ! So, how about we look at some sentences with this expression? Let’s go!
1 – Let’s start with open fire meaning “bonfire”:
The campers roasted marshmallows over an open fire .
We roasted chestnuts over an open fire .
Clothes are hung from nails, and cooking is done over an open fire .
There’s nothing quite like roasting marshmallows over an open fire .
2 – Now, see open fire meaning “fireplace”:
Both rooms
have an open fire .
Do
n’t leave a child alone in a room with an open fire .
I just want a cosy open fire in the sitting room for the winter .
3 – Open fire can also be the verb “to open fire”, that is, to shoot:
A man opened fire in a crowded mall.
A man opened fire in a crowded mall.
(Read the post What is the difference between Mall and Shopping? )
The soldiers opened fire on enemy troops .
Do
not open fire until you hear the command.
Then without
warning, the troops opened fire on the crowd.
The
troops opened fire as soon as they saw the militants exit the building.
The verb “open fire” can also mean “to attack verbally”:
When
the reporters opened fire , the mayor was smiling, but not for long. ( Read the post What is the difference between Mayor and Major? )
The
reporters opened fire on the commissioner with a barrage of intense questions. (
Read the post A Barrage Of | What does this expression mean? )
In her second letter to the
editor, she opened fire , saying the reporter had deliberately misquoted her.
Did you enjoy learning the meanings of open fire ? Then, open your Anki and copy the sentences above there! See you next time!
