active shooter

A perpetrator (of a potential mass shooting) who is actively shooting at people, typically targeting victims in a crowded and confined space. If there is a report of an active shooter, police aim to respond within minutes. We've gotten reports of an active shooter, so no civilians are allowed into the building right now. The police were quick to respond to the active shooter situation and disarm the attacker.

hip-shooter

Someone who speaks or acts rashly, recklessly, or bluntly, without consideration of potential consequences. An allusion to firing a handgun immediately upon drawing it from its holster without taking time to aim. The country's prime minister has gained a reputation as a hip-shooter, issuing executive orders without consulting members of parliament. The boss tends to be a hip-shooter, so don't take what he says too personally. I know you love to be a hip-shooter, but you can't do that on the campaign trail if you want to win over undecided voters.

square shooter

An honest and trustworthy person who is straightforward in dealings with others. A less common variant of "straight shooter." Joe's a square shooter—if he says that Alice is taking money out of the cash register, then I believe him. Sal's a real square shooter. If you ask for his opinion, he'll tell you without trying to sugarcoat it.

straight shooter

An honest and trustworthy person who is straightforward in dealings with others. Joe's a straight shooter—if he says that Alice is taking money out of the cash register, then I believe him. Sal's a real straight shooter. If you ask for his opinion, he'll tell you without trying to sugarcoat it.

straight shooter

Fig. an honest person. I trust Mike; he's a straight shooter. We need a straight shooter in office who will work for the people rather than some lobbyists.

hip-shooter

n. someone who talks without thinking; someone who speaks very frankly. (see also shoot from the hip.) He’s just a loudmouthed hip-shooter. Pay no attention.

square shooter

n. an honest person. (see also straight shooter.) He wouldn’t do anything shabby. He’s a square shooter.

straight shooter

n. an honest person. (see also straight arrow.) We need a straight shooter in office who will work for the people rather than some political party.

straight shooter, a

An honest person. This slangy Americanism, dating from the second half of the 1900s, likens honest speech to the direct path of a bullet or arrow. G. M. Brown used it in Time to Keep (1969), “‘He’s the decentest skipper ever I sailed with . . . Strict but fair . . .’—‘A straight shooter.’”