pistol-shot

A soldier fires a pistol-shot at the practice range.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The sound or report of a pistol being fired: "pistol-shot" refers to the noise made when a pistol is discharged.
   • The range or distance a pistol can fire: "pistol-shot" can denote the effective distance a projectile from a pistol can travel.

Usage Examples

• (The sound of a pistol firing was unexpected.)
• (He was close enough to be hit by a pistol bullet.)
• (One firearm discharge occurred.)

Advanced Usage

• "within pistol-shot": at a distance reachable by a pistol's bullet.

  • The soldiers were ordered to stay within pistol-shot of the camp. (They were to remain close enough to be in range of pistol fire.)

• "beyond pistol-shot": out of the range of a pistol.

  • The sniper positioned himself beyond pistol-shot of the enemy. (He was too far to be hit by a pistol.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pistol (n): a small firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.

  • He carried a pistol for self-defense. (A handheld gun.)

• Shot (n): the act of firing a gun or the projectile fired.

  • The shot missed its mark. (The bullet did not hit the target.)

Synonyms

• Gunshot: the sound or act of firing a gun, though usually broader in scope.
• Report: a loud explosive noise, especially from a firearm.
• Discharge: the firing of a weapon.

Related Idioms

• "a pistol-shot away": a very short distance.

  • The library is just a pistol-shot away from the school. (The library is very close.)

• "like a pistol-shot": very sudden or sharp.

  • Her reply came like a pistol-shot, quick and decisive. (Her response was immediate and forceful.)