pistol
gb/pˈɪstəl/ us/pˈɪstəl/
B1
English
~ 4500
pisztoly, energiabomba, a társaság lelke, motor, nagy forma
NOUN
B1
1
pisztoly
B1
Usage pattern:
to fire/shoot [a pistol]
The detective pulled a pistol from his coat.
A nyomozó előhúzott egy pisztolyt a kabátjából.
She kept a small pistol in her bedside drawer for protection.
Önvédelemből egy kis pisztolyt tartott az éjjeliszekrény fiókjában.
The officer aimed his pistol at the suspect and ordered him to stop.
He bought an antique pistol at the auction.
The guard quickly drew his pistol when he heard the noise.
Learner examples
The man has a pistol in his hand.
A férfi kezében pisztoly van.
She uses a pistol at the shooting range.
Pisztolyt használ a lőtéren.
The police officer carries a pistol.
He points the pistol at the target.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'pistol' with 'rifle' or 'gun'. A 'pistol' is always small and used with one hand; 'rifle' is larger and used with two hands.
Meaning
A small gun for one hand
Collocations
load a pistol
|draw a pistol
|fire a pistol
|point a pistol
|carry a pistol
Synonyms
handgun (A general term for any small firearm held in one hand, including pistols and revolvers.)
|
sidearm (Often used for a pistol carried by military or police as part of their standard equipment.)
Antonyms
rifle (A long-barreled firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, opposite in form to a pistol.)
Themes
weapons
|law enforcement
|crime
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A small gun you can hold and use with one hand.
A small firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand, typically with a short barrel.
NOUN
B2
INFORMAL
2
Your daughter is a real pistol—she never stops talking.
A lányod igazi energiabomba – be nem áll a szája.
He’s a pistol, always making everyone laugh.
Nagy forma, mindig mindenkit megnevettet.
That kid’s a little pistol; she keeps us all on our toes.
Learner examples
My friend is a real pistol.
A barátom igazi energiabomba.
Her son is a little pistol.
A fia igazi kis energiabomba.
He is a pistol and makes us laugh.
Common mistake:
Learners may take this meaning literally and think it refers to an actual gun; context usually makes it clear it’s about personality.
Meaning
A lively or energetic person
Collocations
real pistol
|little pistol
Synonyms
live wire (Informal term for someone very energetic and unpredictable.)
Antonyms
bore (A dull or uninteresting person, opposite in personality to a 'pistol'.)
Themes
personality
|informal
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person who is full of energy and spirit.
An energetic, bold, or spirited person, often used affectionately or admiringly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
pistol
IPA
GB/pˈɪstəl/
US/pˈɪstəl/
Syllables & stress
pis - tol (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pis)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: pistol
- Plural: pistols
Word family
Expressions
pistol-whip
1/pˈɪstəl wˈɪp/
fixed phrase
Hit with a pistol
To hit someone with the handle or side of a pistol instead of shooting it.
Examples
- The robber pistol-whipped the guard before escaping.
- He was pistol-whipped during the attack but survived.
jump the gun
1/d͡ʒˈʌmp ðə ɡˈʌn/
idiom
informal
Act too early or prematurely
To start doing something too soon before you should.
Examples
- They jumped the gun by announcing the product before it was ready.
- I think we jumped the gun by announcing the project before getting approval.
- Don't jump the gun on your assignment; wait for instructions.
- Don’t jump the gun—wait until we have all the facts.
smoking gun
1/smˈoʊkɪŋ ɡˈʌn/
idiom
clear evidence of guilt or crime
Strong proof that someone has done something bad or illegal.
Examples
- The email was the smoking gun that proved his involvement.
- The email was the smoking gun that proved the CEO knew about the fraud.
- Investigators found no smoking gun linking her to the crime.
- Investigators are still searching for a smoking gun in the case.
smoking gun
1/smˈoʊkɪŋ ɡˈʌn/
idiom
clear proof of wrongdoing
A fact or object that clearly proves something.
Examples
- The emails were the smoking gun in the investigation.
- Police searched the apartment but found no smoking gun.
- For critics, the leaked recording was a smoking gun.
Learner examples
- The video was the smoking gun.
- They found no smoking gun.
- The email was clear proof.