full cock
C2 / Very Low FrequencyTechnical / Specialised / Historical / Figurative
Definition
Meaning
The state of a firearm's hammer or striker when it is drawn all the way back, fully tensioned and ready to fire.
A state of complete readiness or maximum operation, often used metaphorically. In historical/mechanical contexts, it can refer to a mechanism in its fully engaged position.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term from firearms. Its metaphorical use is rare and deliberately evokes imagery of tension and imminent action. As a phrase, it is a noun (e.g., 'at full cock', 'draw to full cock').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in the core firearms meaning. Metaphorical use is equally rare in both varieties. The phrase 'half-cock' is more common than 'full cock' in general discourse.
Connotations
Connotes precision, danger, readiness, and potential for sudden release of energy.
Frequency
Extremely low in everyday language. Confined to technical manuals, historical novels, military writing, and occasional figurative use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + to + full cock (draw/pull/cock)at + full cockbe + at + full cockVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At full cock”
- “Go off at half-cock (more common idiom, meaning to act prematurely)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. A forced metaphor might be 'The market is at full cock, awaiting the Fed's announcement.'
Academic
Only in historical or technical papers related to weaponry or mechanics.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or sound overly dramatic.
Technical
Standard, precise term in firearms engineering, history, and manuals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully cocked the antique pistol to full cock.
American English
- She pulled the hammer back to full cock.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as a single adjective) The mechanism was in the full-cock position.
American English
- (Not standard as a single adjective) Ensure the rifle is at the full-cock setting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldier checked that his weapon was ready. (Implied, not using the phrase directly)
- In the museum, the guide explained that the old pistol was at full cock and therefore dangerous.
- The negotiator felt the tension in the room was at full cock, poised to erupt at the slightest provocation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **cock** (rooster) standing fully upright and tense just before it crows — this is the 'full' tense position before the sound is released, just like a gun's hammer.
Conceptual Metaphor
READINESS IS A TENSIONED SPRING / IMMINENT ACTION IS A LOADED WEAPON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'cock' as 'петух' in this context. The Russian equivalent is 'взведённый курок' or 'на боевом взводе'.
- Do not confuse with the unrelated informal meaning of 'cock' (slang for penis).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'full cock' as an adjective (e.g., 'a full cock gun') instead of the phrase 'at full cock'.
- Confusing it with 'half-cock', which is a safety position.
- Misspelling as 'full cock' without understanding it refers to the firearm's action.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'full cock' most accurately and commonly used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term specific to firearms. The related idiom 'go off at half-cock' is more common in general English.
Yes, but it is rare and highly stylistic. It evokes a sense of extreme tension and imminent action, similar to 'at breaking point' or 'primed'.
In firearms, the direct opposite is 'half-cock', which is a safety position where the hammer is partially back but cannot be released by a simple trigger pull.
Generally, no. Unless you are literally discussing the mechanics of a historical firearm, it will sound odd or be misunderstood. Use simpler terms like 'fully ready' or 'primed'.