hand-grenade

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small explosive device: "hand-grenade" refers to a small bomb that is designed to be thrown by hand, typically used in military or combat situations. It consists of a metal casing filled with explosive material and a fuse mechanism that ignites upon activation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The soldier pulled the pin and threw the hand-grenade towards the enemy trench. (A small thrown explosive device used in combat.)
  • During training, recruits learn how to safely handle and throw a hand-grenade. (A practice or live explosive device used for instruction.)

Advanced Usage

• "to lob a hand-grenade": to throw a hand-grenade in a high arc.

  • The commando lobbed a hand-grenade over the wall to clear the room. (Threw the explosive device in an arcing motion.)

• "hand-grenade fragment": a piece of the metal casing that scatters upon explosion.

  • Shrapnel from the hand-grenade caused injuries to nearby soldiers. (Fragments of the bomb's casing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Grenade (n): a general term for any small explosive device, which may be thrown by hand or launched.

  • The grenade exploded with a loud bang. (A generic explosive device.)

• Grenadier (n): a soldier who specializes in using grenades.

  • The grenadier carried a supply of hand-grenades for the assault. (A soldier trained in grenade use.)

Synonyms

• Bomb: an explosive device, though typically larger or not specifically designed for throwing.
• Explosive: a substance or device that can cause an explosion.
• Frag grenade: a type of hand-grenade designed to produce shrapnel.

Related Idioms

• "Hot potato": a situation or object that is difficult or dangerous to handle, similar to a hand-grenade.

  • The controversial issue was like a hand-grenade in the meeting — no one wanted to touch it. (A metaphor for a dangerous or tricky situation.)

• "Drop the grenade": to introduce a shocking or disruptive statement.

  • He dropped a hand-grenade of an announcement at the party, revealing he was leaving the company. (Made a surprising, upsetting revelation.)