open fire

phrase

: to begin shooting

A man opened fire in a crowded mall.

—often + on

The soldiers opened fire on enemy troops.

Examples of open fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is always a vegetarian option, but this really is a place for ardent carnivores, who are encouraged each evening to watch as Patagonian lambs (or other regional produce) are cooked over an open fire in a smoky room by the kitchen. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

The officer stops at the pillar between the car’s windows, such that the driver must crane their neck backward to make eye contact and could only open fire awkwardly. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

In Las Vegas, Paul and Cranston joined chef Sarah Glover to cook a massive seven-bone tomahawk ribeye over an open fire. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The tactic saw the starship jump to warp speed toward its enemy, suddenly stop at close range, and then open fire before light or sensor signals from its former position arrived. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for open fire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer