pull the trigger

VERB

shoot

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blast execute explode fire hit hurl kill launch murder open fire

STRONG

bag barrage bombard catapult dispatch emit expel fling gun ignite loose plug pop project propel pump torpedo trigger zap

WEAK

bring down drop the hammer let fly let go with open up pick off set off throw lead

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bear create fail

STRONG

conceal hold keep withhold

WEAK

backfire walk

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.

“There are tantalizing signs that businesses are starting to pull the trigger on new hires,” said Scott Anderson, chief U.S. economist at BMO Capital Markets.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

"I can't tell you if Xi Jinping's going to decide to pull the trigger or not," said Shugart.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

What does it mean if humans no longer pull the trigger?

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

“I remain hopeful that President Trump won’t quite pull the trigger, so to speak, and that a last-minute deal—which he is clearly vying for—is reached,” StoneX’s Matt Simpson says in commentary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

But before they could pull the trigger on the operation, German intelligence uncovered Haukelid’s crew of radio operators.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

pull the trigger

Example Sentences

Related Words