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fire in the hole

A warning of an imminent explosion in a confined space, especially a grenade or blasting charge.

ˈfaɪɚ ɪn ðə ˈhoʊlDocumented since 1900s1900sSilenthistorical57 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
3 definitions
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Etymology timeline

Born ~1900 · no dated citations yet
1900BornToday, 2026

Definitions

Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(slang) A generalized warning that something is about to happen.

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Global
#3·Apr 27, 2026Global

(loosely, by extension, humorous) A warning of any imminent explosive detonation.

: fire-in-the-hole farts and the unwholesome sounds of a Niagara Falls of diarrhea filling the sink rim to the brim.
For parents

Fire in the hole means: A warning of any imminent explosive detonation.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

fire in the hole means: A warning of any imminent explosive detonation.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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Show 1 more dictionary-style sense (imported)
Global
#1·Apr 27, 2026Global

A warning of an imminent explosion in a confined space, especially a grenade or blasting charge.

For parents

Fire in the hole means: A warning of an imminent explosion in a confined space, especially a grenade or blasting charge.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

fire in the hole means: A warning of an imminent explosion in a confined space, especially a grenade or blasting charge.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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For specific readers

Fire in the hole means: A warning of an imminent explosion in a confined space, especially a grenade or blasting charge.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🗺️About Regional & Other slang

Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.

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