miss fire
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When he had closed the pan, he struck the stock of the gun one or two blows to shake the powder well down into place, that the gun might not miss fire.
From Duffels by Eggleston, Edward
The dangers through which he had passed seemed to 53 embolden him, though he knew his plight would indeed be unpleasant should he attempt to shoot bruin and by some cause miss fire.
From Rodney, the Ranger With Daniel Morgan on Trail and Battlefield by Goss, John
"Had him going, too, when this motor of mine went back on me and started in to miss fire so often that he got away," he spluttered.
From Air Service Boys Flying for Victory or, Bombing the Last German Stronghold by Beach, Charles Amory
The hammer that struck this shell didn't hit true; not so far off as to miss fire, you understand, but it ain't in line exactly.
From Hidden Gold by Anthony, Wilder
You see, if by any chance our trap should miss fire, and they come after us, they’d head along the straight road to Gandela.
From In the Whirl of the Rising by Mitford, Bertram