to fire away

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To begin; to go on. An expression borrowed from the language of soldiers and sailors.


A well-known auctioneer in Pearl street, when putting up an article, says: "Come gentlemen, give us a bid, fire away;" that is, go on.

The Chairman rose and said: "We are not ready yet, we must go on in order." Calls for Mr. H---. Mr. H--- from the midst of the audience said, 'Gentlemen, I beg to be excused, I came here to listen, not to speak." (Loud cries of 'Go ahead," Out with it," "Fire away.") Whereupon he commenced.--N. Y. Herald, Sketch of a Political Meeting.

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