PhrasesHub

The shot heard 'round the world

    Definitions

      • historical significance
        Refers to a significant event that has a major impact on the world or a particular field

      • widespread attention
        Describes an event or action that receives global or widespread attention

    Examples of The shot heard 'round the world

    • On April 19, 1775, at the Battle of Lexington, a shot was fired by a colonial militiaman, marking the beginning of the American Revolution. This single shot, often referred to as "the shot heard 'round the world," ignited a chain of events that led to the eventual independence of the United States from British rule.

      The phrase "the shot heard 'round the world" is a metaphorical way of describing an event that had a profound and far-reaching impact. In this case, it refers to the single shot fired at the Battle of Lexington, which was heard and remembered not just by those present at the time, but by people around the world as a symbol of the start of a pivotal historical moment. The expression highlights the idea that sometimes a seemingly small or insignificant action can have significant implications and consequences.

    • The announcement of the partnership between tech giants Apple and Google sent shockwaves through the industry, dubbed by many as the "shot heard 'round the world."

      This expression means that an announcement or event has had a significant and far-reaching impact, comparable to the reportedly revolutionary shot that sparked the American Revolution. Here, it highlights the significance and ripple effect of the collaboration between Apple and Google on the tech industry.

    • The sports pundits heralded LeBron James' move to the Los Angeles Lakers as the "shot heard 'round the world," signaling a new direction for his illustrious career.

      The expression is used metaphorically here to emphasize the momentousness and profoundness of James' career-changing decision to switch teams, borrowing from the historical importance of the "shot heard 'round the world".

    • The sudden dismissal of the high-profile CEO was met with a collective gasp, as it was described as the "shot heard 'round the world" by the company's employees and stakeholders, a reflection of the far-reaching impact of such a decision.

      Similarly to the previous examples, this expression is used to illustrate the significant and far-reaching effects of a sudden and significant decision, in this case, the abrupt departure of a well-known CEO, and the iconic history of the phrase.

    • The publishing industry was left reeling after the hugely successful debut novel by an unknown author was hailed as the "shot heard 'round the world," signalling a new dawn for the genre and its authors.

      Here, this expression is used in the literary world to connote the impact and acclaim brought about by a groundbreaking work or the emergence of a notable new author, a nod to its roots in history.

    • On April 19, 1775, as the American Revolution began, a shot was fired by American colonists at the British army in Lexington, Massachusetts. This shot, which sparked the start of the American War of Independence, became known as "The shot heard 'round the world." It was considered a historical event that significantly impacted the world.

      The phrase "The shot heard 'round the world" is an idiom that refers to an event that has a profound and far-reaching impact on history. It is often used to describe significant historical events or developments that have had global significance. The phrase derives from a line in Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem "Concord Hymn," which commemorated the battle of Concord, the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The idiom has been used since then to describe events that have had significant historical consequences, particularly in the context of war or revolution. In the example given, the shot fired in Lexington, Massachusetts, was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution, which eventually led to the establishment of the United States as an independent nation. It is considered one of the most significant events in American history and has had a lasting impact on the world.


    Conclusion

    "The shot heard 'round the world" is a phrase used to describe a historical event or action that has a major impact on the world or receives widespread attention. It often signifies a moment that changes the course of history or captures the attention of people across the globe.

    This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as politics, sports, or cultural events, to emphasize the far-reaching consequences or attention that a particular event has garnered.

    Overall, "the shot heard 'round the world" is a powerful and evocative idiom that conveys the significance and global impact of a particular event or action.

    Origin of "The shot heard 'round the world"

    The origin of the idiom "the shot heard 'round the world" can be traced back to the famous poem "Concord Hymn" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which commemorates the Battle of Concord during the American Revolutionary War. The line "the shot heard 'round the world" refers to the first shot fired in the battle, which marked the beginning of the war for independence.

    Since then, the phrase has become synonymous with any event or action that has a profound impact on the world or captures global attention. It is often used in historical and cultural contexts to highlight the significance of a particular moment in time. The idiom has transcended its original historical reference and has become a widely recognized expression for major historical events or actions that resonate across the world.