warning shot
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warning shot
An action, event, or statement that serves as a clear warning in order to protect someone from more serious consequences or to prompt a change in behavior.
Die schlechten Umfragewerte waren ein Warnschuss für die Regierungspartei.
The poor poll numbers were a warning shot for the governing party.
The word is a compound made from 'warnen' (to warn), in the form 'Warn-', and 'der Schuss' (the shot). So it literally means a shot that serves as a warning. This basic idea applies to both the literal and the figurative meaning.
Die Entlassungswelle war ein klarer Warnschuss für die gesamte Branche.
The wave of layoffs was a clear warning shot for the entire industry.
You can easily tell from context whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended. If it is about weapons, police, or the military, a real shot is meant. In contexts like politics, business, or personal relationships, it is a figurative warning.
Der Einbrecher floh, nachdem die Polizei einen Warnschuss abgegeben hatte.
The burglar fled after the police had fired a warning shot.
In the figurative meaning, 'Warnschuss' (warning shot) is often used in the structure 'ein Warnschuss für jemanden/etwas sein' (to be a warning shot for someone/something). It expresses who or what is supposed to be warned by an event.
Die Kündigung war ein Warnschuss für ihn, sein Verhalten zu ändern.
The dismissal was a warning shot for him to change his behavior.
In the literal sense, the fixed collocation 'einen Warnschuss abgeben' (to fire a warning shot) is almost always used. The verb 'abgeben' is the typical choice here.
Der Wachmann gab einen Warnschuss in die Luft ab.
The guard fired a warning shot into the air.
warning
'Warnung' and 'Warnschuss' can both show that someone should be careful or change their behavior. A 'Warnung' is usually a warning or a message. A 'Warnschuss' is stronger and more explicit: literally, it can be a shot that is not meant to hit, but to warn. Figuratively, 'Warnschuss' means a serious sign that worse consequences may soon follow. The words can be confused because a warning shot is also a kind of warning. But 'Warnschuss' sounds more dramatic and often means a final clear warning.
Die schlechte Note war für Paul ein Warnschuss vor der Abschlussprüfung.
The bad grade was a warning shot for Paul before the final exam.
Bitte nimm die Warnung ernst und fahr bei dem Nebel langsamer.
Please take the warning seriously and drive more slowly in the fog.