opening shot

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.

The firings became the opening shot in an internal war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

The Federation of German Industries fired the opening shot in 2019, when it ditched its China-friendly position in a report to call the country a “systemic competitor.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

A first-service percentage of below 50% across the opening three sets led to 16 double faults, before Fearnley cleaned up his opening shot in the fourth to help get over the line.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

After hitting 16 double faults in her Cincinnati quarter-final exit, she parted with Matt Daly - a coach who focused on her opening shot - and brought in Aryna Sabalenka's former serve guru Gavin MacMillan.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

As Jefferson saw it, the American Revolution had been merely the opening shot in a global struggle against tyranny that was destined to sweep over the world.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis