Shoot through

Definitions

• leave quickly
  To depart or leave a place or situation rapidly, often without informing anyone

• penetrate
  To pass through a barrier or obstacle, such as a bullet passing through a target

Examples of Shoot through

• The flashlight batteries had died, leaving us stumbling around in the dark. But then we remembered the "shoot through" technique - aiming the flashlight at a nearby object with a hole in it, such as a colander or a lace curtain, and shining the light through it to create a makeshift diffuser. This way, we could see faint outlines of our surroundings without blinding each other with the direct beam.

  In the context of photography, "shooting through" refers to aiming the camera's lens at a subject through a translucent object, such as a prism or a sheet of paper, to create a unique and interesting effect. However, in everyday life, the expression can also be used more figuratively to mean "to pass through" or "to navigate through" something, such as a dense forest or a crowded market, by taking advantage of available light or angles. In this sense, "shooting through" is like a metaphorical flashlight, helping us make our way in the dark.

• The police car's headlights illuminated the alleyway, but as they "shot through" the falling rain, the beam became distorted and diffused, obscuring the line of sight and making it harder to spot potential suspects.

  In this example, "shooting through" takes on a more literal meaning, as the police car's headlights literally pass through the rain, creating a visual effect that can affect their ability to see or detect their targets. However, the phrase can still be interpreted metaphorically, as a way of describing the challenges and obstacles that can arise in any situation, such as unexpected weather or unforeseen circumstances, that can make progress or success more difficult to achieve.

• As the sun began to set, the sky turned a deep shade of red, and we knew it was time to "shoot through" the rest of our hike before darkness overtook us.

  In this final example, "shooting through" takes on a more figurative meaning, as we prepare to complete a remaining task or goal before a deadline or a constraint becomes too great to overcome. It can also represent a sense of urgency or determination, as we push ourselves to finish what we started before it's too late, much like a photographer might capture a fleeting moment or a scene before it fades or changes.

• The deadline is quickly approaching, and I still have a mountain of work to finish. I need to shoot through the rest of these tasks if I want to meet the deadline.

  In this context, "shoot through" means to complete something quickly and efficiently, like a bullet passes through its target. The phrase is often used when there is a sense of urgency or pressure to complete a task.

• My friend promised to lend me his car this weekend, but now he's changed his mind. I need to shoot through this necessary errand using other means of transportation.

  Here, "shoot through" is used to suggest that the necessary errand needs to be completed quickly and efficiently, despite the initial setback. It's a metaphorical way of saying that the person needs to find an alternative way to complete the task at hand.

• If we want to make a profit in this highly competitive market, we need to shoot through our production process. We can't afford to waste time or resources.

  In this case, "shoot through" is used to describe the need for swift and efficient progression in a production process. It implies that the company can't afford to waste any time or resources as the competition in the market is fierce.

• My child has an important exam next week, and she's been procrastinating on her studies. I need to shoot through her revision schedule so that she's fully prepared for the test.

  This usage of "shoot through" refers to the need for rapid and efficient completion of a task in order to achieve a specific goal. In this instance, the parent needs to complete the revision process with the child to help her achieve a high score on the exam.

• The rain stopped abruptly, and the sun peeked through the clouds in a brilliant display of light that shot through the forest canopy and illuminated the forest floor.

  In this example, "shoot through" is used to describe how light, in the form of sun beams, pierce through the canopy of the trees and reach the ground. The phrase "shoot through" suggests a strong and immediate effect of light, as if rays were actually shooting through the branches.

Conclusion

The idiom "shoot through" can be used to describe both leaving a place quickly and penetrating a barrier. It is often used in informal language to convey a sense of urgency or swift action.

Origin of "Shoot through"

The origin of the idiom "shoot through" can be traced back to the early 20th century, with its roots in slang and colloquial language. The use of "shoot" to mean leave swiftly may have originated from the idea of shooting through the air, indicating a rapid and direct movement. The notion of penetrating a barrier may have derived from the literal action of shooting a projectile through an object. Over time, the idiom has become a commonly used expression in English, conveying the idea of swift departure or penetration. Examples of its usage can be found in various literary works and everyday conversations, demonstrating its enduring presence in the English language.