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fire in the hole

an expression indicating that an explosive detonation in a confined space is imminent.

Etymology:

  • Early cannons had a little hole in them, packed with gunpowder. They were shot by lighting up the gunpowder which then burnt in the hole until it reached the main powder charge. Hence “fire in the hole” meant literally that there was “fire in the hole”, thus giving the others time to prepare for an explosion.
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The construction worker yelled "Fire in the hole!" before detonating the charges to clear a path for the new highway.

Submitted by CoopTheHoop on March 08, 2024

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    "fire in the hole." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/fire-in-the-hole_64197>.

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