Phrases and sayings born in muzzleloading that we still use today.

[RobertIN]

Hey folks,

I had a thought, there are probably a lot of phrases we use today that were born in muzzleloading, so I thought I'd ask the forum to see what phrases they know.

Things like:

"Flash in the pan" when describing a brief period of intensity that leads to nowhere ie. Relationships, business, music groups etc.

Interested to see what you've got! Could make for a fun thread.

 

[Gtrubicon]

Keep your powder dry

 

[2 shots]

goin off half cocked

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Lock, stock and barrel

 

[leadhoarder]

Just spit on it.

 

[Gun Tramp]

I use "#$%^&*!" fairly often.

 

[Tom A Hawk]

"Draw fine bead". "Touch hole" ( sorry, was thinking of a member )

Cock = Hahn = Rooster

 

[52Bore]

Drop the Hammer on them.

Put the Hammer down.

 

[bptactical]

"Draw fine bead". "Touch hole" ( sorry, was thinking of a member )

Cock = Hahn = Rooster

I did that once in a “Gentleman’s Club” nearly got arrested

“Ram it home”

 

[Justin.44]

"Bite the bullet"

 

[IronHand]

Ramrod straight

IronHand

 

[FLTaft1948]

"Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" Colonel Wm. Prescott at the battle of Bunker Hill.

 

[bpd303]

A stitch in time saves nine.
First used in 1723 about repairing garments on the frontier.

 

[IanH]

"The fog of war".

 

[ETipp]

Aim small, miss small.

 

[Felonious]

 

[RRidgely52]

Pop a cap...

 

[oldvet67to89]

In the military, on the range, they still use the expression: "On the firing line, ball ammunition, lock and load."

 

[Johnny Tremain]

"On the rag"
officers were known to steal cannon wadding rags for their lady folk.

 

[BlazingIron]

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