half cock
noun
1
: the position of the hammer of a firearm when about half retracted and held by the sear so that it cannot be operated by a pull on the trigger
2
chiefly British
: a state of inadequate preparation or mental confusion
go off at half cock
Cite this Entry
“Half cock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half%20cock. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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