at full cock

at full cock

Of a gun, with its hammer positioned as far back as possible in order to allow it to be fired with minimal pressure on the trigger. In movies, the thug usually puts his gun at full cock to show that he's serious. Thank goodness you came along when you did—that guy had his gun at full cock! The robber must have had his gun at full cock because it went off in the ensuing struggle with police.

See also: cock, full

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

at full cock

(of a firearm) with the cock lifted to the position at which the trigger will act.

See also: cock, full

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017