Shoot holes Meaning in English
expression
ˈʃut/ /ˈhoʊɫz
SHOOT HOHLZ
ʃˈuːt/ /hˈəʊlz
SHOOT HOHLZ
Definition
To find and point out flaws, mistakes, or weaknesses in an idea, plan, or argument, often by criticizing it strongly.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, mostly used in discussions to describe strong criticism or logical challenges. Commonly followed by "in your argument/plan." Does not refer to actual shooting; metaphorical for exposing faults.
Spanish: encontrar fallas en - criticar fuertementePortuguese (BR): apontar falhas - criticar fortementePortuguese (PT): apontar falhas - criticar fortementeChinese (Simplified): 挑毛病 - 挑出漏洞Chinese (Traditional): 挑毛病 - 挑出漏洞Hindi: कमियाँ निकालना - दोष निकालनाArabic: إظهار الثغرات - انتقاد بشدةBengali: দোষ খুঁজে বের করা - ভুল ধরিয়ে দেওয়াRussian: дырявить (метафорически) - раскритиковать - находить изъяныJapanese: 粗（あら）を探す - 欠点を指摘するVietnamese: bắt lỗi - chỉ ra điểm yếuKorean: 허점을 지적하다 - 약점을 꼬집다Turkish: açıklarını bulmak - birine eleştiri yağdırmakUrdu: خامیاں نکالنا - عیب نکالناIndonesian: mencari-cari kekurangan - menemukan celah
Example Sentences
They tried to shoot holes in my plan.
basic
It's easy to shoot holes in that argument.
basic
She tried to shoot holes in his explanation.
basic
Go ahead and shoot holes in my theory if you can.
natural
The reporter loves to shoot holes in politicians' promises.
natural
Whenever I come up with a plan, my brother tries to shoot holes in it.
natural