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.
"Anglicism" and "British gold" were blunderbusses which, in the present popular irritation against France, had for a time lost their usefulness, and were apt to miss fire.
From James Madison by Gay, Sydney Howard
But the words are quoted in a hundred books and pamphlets, and are used like theological revolvers which never miss fire.
From Letters From Rome on the Council by D?llinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von
Knowing, however, that the Arabs’ powder is often very bad, and that, consequently, their weapons frequently miss fire, I felt very doubtful whether such might not be the case on the present occasion.
From Saved from the Sea The Loss of the Viper, and her Crew's Saharan Adventures by Riou, Edouard
Now,” added the trapper, “I think I can promise you a rifle that is not likely to miss fire, and the hand of a friend that will not fail you.”
From Wood Rangers The Trappers of Sonora by Reid, Mayne
"That's just where you'll miss fire," the other rejoined.
From Hopalong Cassidy by Mulford, Clarence E.