shoot the arrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoot the arrow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone shooting a bow and arrow. For example: "The archer took careful aim and shot the arrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Finally he met the guy, and said: 'Tell me, how did you get to be that accurate?' The guy said: 'It's easy, I shoot the arrow first, then I paint the bullseye'.

Independent

Thou wert taught to bear winter's cruel cold, to shrink not before storm and tempest, to face the heat of summer, to swim across loud-roaring torrents, to p275 climb mountains, to run o'er the plain, to leap ravines and hollows, to spend sleepless nights of watching under arms, to drink melted snow from thy casque, to shoot the arrow from the bow or hurl the acorn-missiles with a Balearic sling.

University of Chicago

Protégées, Shoot the Arrow: A Portrait of The World Famous *BOB*, All photographs Copyright © Amy Touchette.

Huffington Post

Film Shoot, Chinatown, No. 3, Shoot the Arrow: A Portrait of The World Famous *BOB*, All photographs Copyright © Amy Touchette.

Huffington Post

Touchette spent as much as 24 hours at a time with the performer to finalize "Shoot the Arrow," calling *BOB*'s story the "ultimate postmodern gender story".

Huffington Post

Fishing for Martini Olives in Her Panties, Shoot the Arrow: A Portrait of The World Famous *BOB*, All photographs Copyright © Amy Touchette.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The top and the bottom curve outward, away from the archer, and it takes strength to shoot the arrows.

The New York Times - Sports

"My dad would set up the target in our garage and I would shoot the arrows from our driveway," Felkel said.

Los Angeles Times

Be careful where you shoot the arrows!

WikiHow

The police were also called to look into who had shot the arrow.

The New York Times

Near the end of the war, Paris shot the arrow that, by Apollo's help, caused the death of the hero Achilles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing archery or historical events, use "shoot the arrow" to create a vivid image of the action. For instructional content, combine it with specifics like distance or target for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "shoot the arrow" metaphorically unless the audience understands the reference. Using it literally is best, unless the context is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoot the arrow" functions as a verb phrase describing the specific action of releasing an arrow from a bow. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoot the arrow" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing the act of releasing an arrow from a bow. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and applicability in diverse scenarios. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, from how-to guides to news articles and academic texts. When writing, consider the context; it's best to employ the phrase when specifically referring to archery or historical depictions. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "release the arrow" or "fire the arrow".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

release the arrow

Focuses on the action of releasing the arrow rather than the entire process.

loose an arrow

Uses a more archaic term for releasing an arrow, adding a stylistic variation.

fire the arrow

Emphasizes the propelling of the arrow in a more forceful way.

propel the arrow

Highlights the physics of the action, focusing on the force applied.

send the arrow flying

Adds a descriptive element, emphasizing the arrow's trajectory.

draw and loose the arrow

Incorporates the action of drawing the arrow back before releasing it.

discharge the arrow

Uses a more technical term for releasing the arrow, suitable for formal contexts.

launch the arrow

Implies a more deliberate and powerful release.

send the shaft

Refers to the arrow by its part, adding a poetic flavor.

let fly the arrow

Emphasizes the swiftness and freedom of the arrow's flight.

FAQs

How can I use "shoot the arrow" in a sentence?

You can use "shoot the arrow" in a sentence to describe the action of propelling an arrow from a bow, such as: "The archer aimed carefully before /s/releasing+the+arrow" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">releasing the arrow.

What is a more formal way to say "shoot the arrow"?

A more formal alternative to "shoot the arrow" could be "discharge the arrow", which emphasizes the act of release in a technical context.

What can I say instead of "shoot the arrow" to be more descriptive?

To be more descriptive, you might say "send the arrow flying", highlighting the trajectory and movement of the arrow.

Is it correct to say "fire the arrow" instead of "shoot the arrow"?

Yes, "fire the arrow" is a correct alternative to "shoot the arrow". It emphasizes the force and propulsion behind the action.