Archery is a sport where a person uses a bow to shoot an arrow at a target in the distance. The closer the arrow gets to the centre; the more points are scored. Shooting is similar but using a gun instead.​

Shooting & archery idioms and sayings

Many idioms originated from shooting and archery and here is a list of them with examples.

  • another string to one’s bow
    meaning – gain another skill/ability
    example – Freya has started ice skating. She wants to add another string to her bow.
  • as straight as an arrow
    meaning – a loyal/dependable/honest person
    example – Tony is a lovey guy, he’s as straight as an arrow.
  • dodge the bullet
    meaning – avoid something bad
    example – My ex has been jailed. I dodged the bullet there.
  • give something one’s best shot
    meaning – try your best
    example – He gave it his best shot, but unfortunately, he didn’t get the job.
  • hit the bull’s eye
    meaning – achieve the best result
    example – We really hit the bull’s eye with our latest product. The customers are loving it.
  • shoot someone/something down
    meaning – reject
    example – The council shot down plans for a new entertainment complex.
  • shoot the breeze
    meaning – have a casual chat without purpose
    example – Let’s go to the park and shoot the breeze all afternoon.

Shooting & archery idioms and sayings with pictures

shooting and archery idioms and sayings
archery sayings - another string to one’s bow
archery sayings - as straight as an arrow
shooting idioms - dodge the bullet
shooting idioms - give something one’s best shot
archery sayings - hit the bulls-eye
shooting idioms - shoot someone down
shooting idioms - shoot the breeze

You can download a table of shooting and archery idioms and expressions below.

If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more sports idioms by clicking on the links below.