Shoot from the hip
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
To act or speak fast and loose, without much thought.
Origin
From 19th-century America, tied to Wild West; 'hip shooting' skipped aim for speed, slang by 1870s for rash. A 1900 'Scribner's' uses it for a quick retort.
Variants
- From the hip
Usage Examples
- He shoots from the hip; says what he thinks.
- She shot from the hip and guessed right.
- Shooting from the hip got him in trouble.