Meaning & use
shoot and run
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrasesport
In sports, to take a quick shot and then immediately move to another position.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the subject performs both actions.
Patterns
- shoot and run
- shoot and run play
The guard likes to shoot and run before the defense can react.
They practiced the shoot and run drill for hours.
phrasefixed phrasemilitary
In military or tactical contexts, to fire at a target and quickly retreat.
Grammar: Often used to describe a hit-and-run attack.
Patterns
- shoot and run tactic
- shoot and run attack
The rebels used a shoot and run strategy to avoid capture.
The soldiers were ordered to shoot and run back to cover.
Common combinations
- shoot and run play
- The coach called a shoot and run play.
- shoot and run tactic
- The guerrilla fighters relied on a shoot and run tactic.
- shoot and run drill
- The team practiced a shoot and run drill.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hit and run
- Similar idea but usually refers to a car accident or a baseball play, not shooting.
- fire and retreat
- More specific to military action; 'shoot and run' is broader.
Word family
Commonly confused: shoot and run or shoot-'em-up?
shoot and run vs shoot-'em-up
A slang term for a violent film or game, not a tactical phrase.
Practice
In which situation would you most likely hear 'shoot and run'?
Choose one answer.
'Shoot and run' is a sports or military term, so a basketball game is the most likely context. The other options do not involve shooting or running in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “shoot and run”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.