loaded for bear
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]An allusion to equipping oneself with the sort of heavy weaponry suitable for hunting large animals.
Pronunciation
[edit]Audio (General Australian): (file)
Adjective
[edit]loaded for bear (not comparable)
- (idiomatic) Thoroughly equipped, as for a demanding task or confrontation.
- 1955, Edward Latimer Beach, chapter 6, in Run Silent, Run Deep:
- "The whole Jap Navy," said Captain Sams, waving at a map of Japan on the wall behind him, "has been steaming across the Pacific loaded for bear."
- (idiomatic) Mentally prepared for a daunting situation or confrontation.
- 1917, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 35, in Anne's House of Dreams:
- Every Elliott and Crawford and MacAllister is on the warpath, loaded for bear.
Translations
[edit]thoroughly equipped
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