half-cocked

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.

However, Baroness Casey described the plans as "a half-cocked attempt" to deal with the problem.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2023

To Rafael’s bildungsroman amid half-cocked terrorists and a love triangle with their leaders, add a spy-novel parody, a kaleidoscopic Christ narrative, a battery of literary references and a portrait of Cuban life under socialism.

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2022

Even though Musk’s tactics this month appeared unconventional or even half-cocked, merger-and-acquisition experts say his strategy incorporated sound negotiation principles — with a twist of his distinctive, unpredictable style.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2022

Mrs. Ambrose, it continued, “helped put an end to the image of the D.C. Council as a refuge for small-bore politicians given to going off half-cocked on marginal issues.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2017

I look at him as he drives on the big highway, keeping his half-cocked eyes on the road.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King