loaded for bear


Also found in: Idioms.

loaded for bear

- Dating from the mid-1800s, it alludes to the heavy charge of powder or lead that hunters use for large animals, such as bears.
See also related terms for powder.
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References in classic literature ?
Every Elliott and Crawford and MacAllister is on the warpath, loaded for bear. This side is peaceful and calm, seeing there's so few men.
Meacham was loaded for bear when he set out to write this book.
They will match wits and skill against a veteran FEU team that is loaded for bear.
Each of the three lower trims offers a single factory option package and no stand-alone factory extras while Dune comes loaded for bear. All hardtop trims except the base S include a power retracting sunroof.
Never was the pro-life tenacity and skill and legislative acumen more on display than in those dark days following the November 1992 elections when pro-abortion President Bill Clinton came into office loaded for bear and armed with a pro-abortion Democratic House and a pro-abortion Democratic Senate.
Dana Milbank's ignorance never ceases to amaze ("Sportsmen's Heritage bill supporters loaded for bear," Sept.
But she was also loaded for bear and aiming at Sanders.
Placing the barrels of sweet popcorn, the dog food (Lulu had to have firsts!), the scent and a couple of treestands, I was literally "loaded for bear." Now, it was all up to the Good Lord above, and I silently prayed for some good fortune.
Richardson said he was ''loaded for bear'' at the outset of the investigation, unconvinced the cheating was confined to a single training unit.
For them, the states will be loaded for bear and a conscious approach to managing that risk is recommended.
The expression "loaded for bear" is no exaggeration.
The two-minute ad, titled 'Loaded for Bear', emphasizes Palin's recent appearance at this month's CPAC, an annual gathering of conservative activists, and her connection to freshman Senator Ted Cruz, a Tea Party favorite.