Example: Le journaliste a tiré à boulets rouges sur le gouvernement corrompu.
Definition
"Tirer à boulets rouges sur" is a French expression meaning to strongly criticize or attack someone or something with harsh and relentless words, often in a public or aggressive manner. For example, a journalist might "tirer à boulets rouges sur" a corrupt government.
Translations
To attack fiercely
Criticar duramente
Felle kritiek leveren op
Carregar durament contra
Scharf schießen gegen
Etymology
The phrase "tirer à boulets rouges sur" literally translates to 'fire red-hot cannonballs at.' It originates from military terminology where red-hot cannonballs were used to cause maximum damage. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe intense verbal attacks aimed at causing serious harm or criticism.
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"Tirer à boulets rouges sur" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To attack fiercely