use in anger en · VERB
Etymology
By extension, from fire in anger.
Meanings
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(idiomatic) Used for its intended purpose, as opposed to e.g. practice or testing
Outside of testing when first built I doubt those protections have ever actually been used in anger!
2024 February 12, craigybagel, Rail UK Forums:Just having a play before I use in anger
2020 June 10, anonymous author, AutoCAD LT Forum:The key element that has yet to be used in anger is the payment calculation function of the operating system.
2007 March 29, The Rural Payments Agency and the implementation of the Single Payment Scheme: third report of session 2006-07, Vol. 2: Oral and written evidence, Volume 2, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, →ISBN:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| uses in anger | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| using in anger | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| used in anger | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| used in anger | Tense=Past | lexicographic |