broken arrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency compound noun (C1+). Known primarily through specialist/military contexts and popular culture (films, gaming).Formal/Term of art in military and nuclear contexts. Can be used figuratively in informal registers to denote catastrophe.
Quick answer
What does “broken arrow” mean?
A military term for a serious accident involving a nuclear weapon, such as its loss, theft, or accidental detonation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military term for a serious accident involving a nuclear weapon, such as its loss, theft, or accidental detonation.
A situation or event that is hopeless, chaotic, or a disastrous failure; also refers to a specific call for help in a dire military situation, or a symbol in Native American culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from and is predominantly used in US military jargon. UK usage is almost exclusively through exposure to US media or technical discussions. The figurative sense is equally understood.
Connotations
In both, carries heavy connotations of catastrophic failure, secrecy, and high-stakes danger. In US, also has historical/cultural resonance from Cold War and Western films.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English due to its origin in US military code. In British English, it's a known but rarely used term outside specific discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “broken arrow” in a Sentence
[Military] declared/had a broken arrow[Figurative] The project became a total broken arrow.It was a broken arrow scenario from the start.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broken arrow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. Not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A. Not standard as a verb. (Slang/jargon use: 'We're getting broken-arrowed out here!' is possible but non-standard.)
adverb
British English
- N/A. Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A. Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The broken-arrow protocol was initiated.
- They faced a broken-arrow scenario.
American English
- It was a classic broken-arrow situation.
- The broken-arrow drill lasted all night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The merger talks have turned into a complete broken arrow.' (Meaning: a chaotic, failed situation.)
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or security studies papers discussing nuclear safety or military history.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used figuratively for extreme failure: 'The holiday was a broken arrow—flight cancelled, hotel flooded.'
Technical
Precise term in military/nuclear defense protocols denoting specific types of major accidents with nuclear weapons (loss, fire, detonation).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broken arrow”
- Using it to mean any minor problem. *'My printer jammed—what a broken arrow.' (Incorrect, too strong).
- Confusing it with 'widow maker' or 'friendly fire'.
- Using it as a verb. *'They broken-arrowed the mission.' (Incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its official US military definition (since the Cold War) is specifically for accidents with nuclear weapons or components. However, its figurative use for any major disaster, and its historical use as a Native American symbol or in Westerns, are also common.
You can, but it will sound dramatic and metaphorical. It's best used for describing situations of total, chaotic failure, not everyday problems. Most listeners will understand it figuratively from popular culture.
'Friendly fire' is when forces are mistakenly attacked by their own allies. 'Broken arrow' is specifically an accident with a nuclear weapon (loss, fire, detonation) or a call for help when a military unit is being overrun. They denote different types of military emergencies.
The US military uses plain-language codes for emergencies: 'Broken Arrow' was chosen (reportedly in the 1950s) as a seemingly innocuous phrase that could be communicated clearly by radio to discreetly indicate the most serious type of nuclear accident.
A military term for a serious accident involving a nuclear weapon, such as its loss, theft, or accidental detonation.
Broken arrow is usually formal/term of art in military and nuclear contexts. can be used figuratively in informal registers to denote catastrophe. in register.
Broken arrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrəʊkən ˈærəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbroʊkən ˈæroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a drill, it's a broken arrow.”
- “Everything's gone broken arrow.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a snapped arrow on a sign warning of radioactive material. The broken weapon signals a dangerous accident.
Conceptual Metaphor
CATASTROPHE IS A BROKEN WEAPON / A FAILED MISSION IS A BROKEN TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'broken arrow' be used MOST accurately?