open fire

• Das Feuer eröffnen, meist mit Schusswaffen, oder eine heftige verbale Attacke oder Kritik gegen jemanden beginnen.

To start shooting a weapon, typically a gun, or to begin a heated verbal attack or criticism against someone.

1. Start shootingB2formal

   To begin shooting with a gun or other weapon.

   Das Feuer eröffnen

   • The soldiers were ordered to open fire on the enemy.
   • The police did not open fire until the suspect drew a weapon.
   • The hunter opened fire at the deer.

2. Begin a verbal attackB2informal

   To start criticizing someone or something aggressively.

   Scharf kritisieren (übertragen)

   • The journalist opened fire on the politician's policies.
   • During the debate, she opened fire on his lack of experience.
   • The critics opened fire on the new movie.