bombs away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bombs away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is about to be released or launched, often in a playful or dramatic context. Example: "As the countdown reached zero, the pilot shouted, 'Bombs away!' before dropping the payload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Bombs away.

The New York Times

So bombs away.

The New York Times - Sports

"We just said 'Bombs away!'," he said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

1. Bombs away on all serves; no predictable second serve.

The New York Times - Sports

Anything, however, would be better than the current mess: bombs away, and forget about tomorrow.

Independent

Such incursions are declining, though, meaning that more often than not, it's bombs away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

And the Blues bombed away.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't bomb away that knowledge any more than you can sanction it away".

The Guardian

But we cannot allow our European values to be bombed away".

The New York Times

Soon, however, Thiam stopped long enough for Trinidad to bomb away at the injured eye.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're one bomb away from getting rid of that obnoxious [FISA] court," Goldsmith recalls Addington telling him in February 2004.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bombs away" to add a sense of dramatic flair or anticipation before initiating an action or releasing information. It is particularly effective in informal contexts or when conveying a sense of excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "bombs away" excessively, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Employ it judiciously to maintain its effectiveness and prevent it from sounding cliché.

Linguistic Context

"Bombs away" functions as an interjection, typically used to announce the imminent release or deployment of something, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is commonly used as an exclamation, signifying a decisive action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Sports

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bombs away" is a grammatically sound and relatively common interjection used to signal the initiation of an action, often with an element of excitement or anticipation. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase, while originating from military contexts, has successfully transitioned into mainstream language, finding frequent use in news, sports and media. While its informal nature makes it unsuitable for formal writing, "bombs away" is perfectly acceptable in more relaxed settings. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "let it fly" or "here we go" to convey a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let it fly

A more general expression for releasing something or initiating an action.

release the payload

More technical term, suggesting a deliberate act of releasing a load.

unleash the fury

Implies a forceful and aggressive release of energy or power.

full speed ahead

Indicates an immediate and unreserved commitment to action.

go for broke

Suggests taking a significant risk or making an all-out effort.

all systems go

Indicates that everything is ready for launch or action.

commence firing

A formal command to begin shooting or launching projectiles.

fire at will

Grants permission to shoot or launch projectiles as desired.

open fire

A direct order to start shooting.

launch sequence initiated

Indicates the beginning of a process to launch something.

FAQs

How can I use "bombs away" in a sentence?

You can use "bombs away" to signal the start of something, often with a sense of excitement or finality. For example: "Okay team, the presentation is ready, "bombs away"!"

What's a less dramatic alternative to "bombs away"?

If you want something less emphatic, consider phrases like "let's begin", "here we go", or simply stating what you're about to do.

Is "bombs away" appropriate for formal writing?

Generally, "bombs away" is too informal for formal writing. It's better suited for casual conversations or situations where a lighthearted tone is acceptable. In formal contexts, opt for more professional language.

Where does the expression "bombs away" come from?

The expression originates from military aviation, used by bomber crews to signal the release of bombs. Its adoption into general usage retains a sense of initiation and decisive action.