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

Despite her reservations about the quality of her opening shot, Rybakina has still won 86% of her service games - a tournament high and just ahead of Sabalenka's 84%.

From BBC • Jan. 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

Alcaraz has tinkered with his opening shot this season and that may have been a contributing factor to a first-serve percentage below 50% which allowed Fognini to constantly apply pressure.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 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