Military-Derived Expressions: English Vocabulary List

unintended negative consequence or harm resulting from an action

"The military strike unfortunately caused collateral damage."

"The military strike unfortunately caused collateral damage including civilian homes and a school."

a preliminary investigation or survey to gather information

"The soldier went on recon."

"The soldier went on recon to scout enemy positions before the main attack at dawn."

used to indicate that a task or set of tasks has been successfully completed

"The job is done, mission accomplished."

"After successfully diffusing the bomb with seconds to spare, the bomb squad leader declared, "Mission accomplished.""

to reveal unexpected and shocking news or information that has a strong impact on those who receive it

"She dropped a bombshell at dinner."

"The CEO dropped a bombshell during the meeting when he announced that the company would shut down three factories."

to be strongly criticized or blamed

"The manager took the flak for the team's failure."

"The manager had to take the flak for the team failure even though he was not personally responsible."

used to refer to someone or something that has captured one's attention or is within one's awareness or consideration

"It's on my radar."

"That emerging technology is definitely on my radar as a potential area for future investment and research."

forgotten, unnoticed, or no longer being tracked

"The spy stayed off the radar."

"The famous singer went off the radar for a year to escape from the paparazzi and relax."

fully prepared and ready to act

"The soldier was locked and loaded."

"The soldiers were locked and loaded and ready to move out as soon as the commander gave the order."

to start to deal with an inevitable challenge or difficulty

"I bit the bullet today."

"Although the task was daunting, she decided to bite the bullet and complete the difficult project."

a period of leave or pass that ends at midnight

"He had Cinderella liberty."

"The young soldier was excited about his weekend pass, but he knew he had to be back before midnight due to his Cinderella liberty."

smoke exhaled from a pipe, joint, or cigarette into another person's mouth

"He blew smoke back."

"The company faced severe blowback from customers after raising prices without improving the product."

to watch someone's back or give them support

"Do not worry, I have got your six."

"The loyal partner told his friend I have got your six meaning he would watch his back and protect him."

in a rapid or immediate manner, typically used to indicate urgent action

"The sergeant told the soldiers to move on the double."

"The sergeant ordered the lazy soldiers to clean the barracks on the double because the general was coming to inspect."

the center of action or the most critical position in a struggle or activity

"He was on the front line."

"As the lead negotiator, she was always on the front line during tense corporate disputes."

to deliver a sharp verbal reprimand

"She read him off."

"The irate supervisor proceeded to read off the employee for their repeated tardiness."