got a bomb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got a bomb" is correct and usable in written English, though it may carry a serious connotation depending on the context.
You can use it in informal contexts, often to indicate possession of something explosive or metaphorically to describe something impactful or impressive. Example: "During the game, he really got a bomb and threw it down the field for a touchdown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"He's got a bomb of a serve and that's not going away until his arm can't take it," Courier said.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to some reports, he did not intend merely to "contain" a nuclear-armed Iran but to make sure that we never got a bomb in the first place.

The Economist

Politics ain't beanbag; but "I've got a bomb strapped to my chest, and the whole room gets it if you don't hand over the money" is not normal tactics, especially if pursued repeatedly.

The New York Times

So the sirens used to go off, every apartment has got a bomb room, which is lined with steel and the advice was always to go and get in that.

The Guardian - Sport

"As the police were escorting me out, this old man, this grandfather, started yelling 'She's got a bomb,'" she recalled.

Vice

She is finally able to convince him that events are repeating themselves, and before he is killed by the blast, Mulder begins repeating "he's got a bomb" to himself, in an attempt to recall it the next time around.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And can it prevent Iran from eventually getting a bomb?

The New Yorker

I'd prefer that Iran never get a bomb.

The New York Times

If Iran is intent on getting a bomb, an attack would delay but not stop it.

The Economist

It might then get a bomb before sanctions threaten the survival of the regime.

The Economist

Saddam will get a bomb, because these materials are floating in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "got a bomb" due to its serious implications. In formal writing, consider using more precise and less ambiguous alternatives like "acquired an explosive device".

Common error

Avoid using "got a bomb" casually in situations where it could be misinterpreted or cause alarm. For instance, do not use it in professional emails or casual conversations where the recipient might not understand the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got a bomb" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing possession or acquisition. It's used to indicate that someone or something has come into possession of an explosive device or, metaphorically, something with a powerful impact, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got a bomb" is grammatically sound, though its use requires careful consideration due to its serious connotations. As Ludwig highlights, its applications range from literal possession of an explosive to metaphorical descriptions of impactful events or abilities. While grammatically correct, it is relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that the phrase primarily appears in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. Therefore, while usable, writers should remain cognizant of the potential for misinterpretation and choose more precise alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a bomb

Simple substitution of "got" with "has" for brevity.

obtained a bomb

Substitutes "got" with "obtained", indicating acquisition.

managed to get a bomb

Highlights the effort or difficulty in acquiring the bomb.

acquired a bomb

Uses "acquired" instead of "got", suggesting a formal tone.

secured a bomb

Emphasizes the effort or process involved in getting a bomb.

possesses an explosive

Replaces "got" with a more formal synonym and specifies "explosive" for clarity.

is in possession of a bomb

Rephrases to emphasize the state of possessing a bomb, with a formal tone.

came into possession of a bomb

Highlights the act of obtaining possession of a bomb.

landed a bomb

Informal, slang version using "landed", implying successful acquisition.

finds himself with a bomb

Suggests an unexpected acquisition of a bomb.

FAQs

How can I use "got a bomb" in a sentence?

You can use "got a bomb" to indicate possession of an explosive or, metaphorically, to describe something impactful. For example: "She's "got a bomb" strapped to her chest!"

What's a less alarming way to say "got a bomb"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "possesses an explosive device", "acquired an explosive", or, if used metaphorically, phrases like "delivered a powerful performance".

Is "got a bomb" appropriate for formal writing?

Generally, no. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and less ambiguous language. Instead of "got a bomb", consider alternatives like "acquired an explosive device" or "is in possession of an explosive".

Can "got a bomb" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "got a bomb" can be used metaphorically to describe something very impactful or impressive. For instance, "He's "got a bomb" of a serve", meaning he has a very powerful serve.