unsling

unsling

A soldier unslings his rifle from his shoulder.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To remove from a sling: "unsling" means to take something (especially a weapon, bag, or item carried by a strap) off a sling or supporting strap that holds it in place.
    • To unfasten or detach: It can also refer to the act of releasing or loosening a sling or support, allowing the object to be freed.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • The soldier unslung his rifle and placed it on the table. (He removed the rifle from its shoulder strap.)
    • She unslung her backpack and sat down to rest. (She took off her backpack by releasing its strap.)
    • He carefully unslung the camera from his neck. (He unfastened the camera strap and took the camera off.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to unsling a hammock": to remove a hammock from its supports or hooks.

    • After a peaceful afternoon, they unslung the hammock and folded it away. (They detached the hammock from its hanging points.)

  • "to unsling a weapon": a common military or hunting term for taking a firearm off its carrying strap.

    • The hunter unslung his shotgun before entering the cabin. (He removed the shotgun from the shoulder strap to prepare for use.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Unslinging (present participle): the act of removing from a sling.

    • Unslinging the heavy bag took some effort. (The process of detaching the bag from its strap was difficult.)

  • Unslingable (adj): capable of being unslung.

    • This type of pack is easily unslingable. (This pack can be removed from its sling without trouble.)
Synonyms
  • Detach: to separate from a support or attachment.
  • Unstrap: to release or undo a strap.
  • Unfasten: to open or loosen a fastening.
Phrasal Verbs

  • Unsling from: to remove something from a sling or strap.

    • He unslung the binoculars from around his neck. (He took the binoculars off the strap around his neck.)

  • Unsling off: to take something off by releasing a sling.

    • She unslung the guitar off her shoulder. (She removed the guitar from its shoulder strap.)
Related Idioms
  • No common idioms directly use "unsling," but the concept appears in military or outdoor contexts where "sling" is a key term. For example:
    • "Sling your arms": a military command meaning to carry a weapon on a sling.
    • The officer ordered the troops to unsling their arms. (The officer commanded the soldiers to remove their weapons from slings.)