“Shoot from the hip” means making a quick decision without considering the consequences. Some believe it’s a rash reaction, while others trust their instincts. Past experiences can influence this approach. Those who take risks tend to use it more than those who are conservative.
“Shoot from the hip” is an American saying that has to do with choosing a course of action. In most cases, the expression refers to a decision that is reached and implemented without stopping to consider the possible outcomes of the decision. From this perspective, choosing this action means going with your first instinct and choosing to react quickly to any given situation.
There are two distinct schools of thought so we come to the concept represented by this idiom. One idea holds that shooting from the hip is a rash reaction. Since there is no time to weigh possible options, the ability to choose a wise course of action is minimized. A lack of thoughtful consideration is far more likely to produce consequences that could be worse than the event that triggered the rash reaction in the first place.
A second approach to flank shooting argues that the individual’s instincts make it unnecessary to stop and analyze the situation in order to choose the right course of action. Instead, instincts quickly draw on the individual’s collective experience and allow for the right course of action to be arrived at immediately. Proponents of this approach note that many opportunities are lost because time is wasted going through the minutiae of how to respond. If the individual decides to take a risk, the potential for a desirable outcome is very high.
In general, most people tend to shoot from the hip in at least some situations. This is especially true if the situation is similar to something that happened in the person’s past. If the past experience has been successful, instincts may dictate that the individual reacts in the same way. However, if past experience has not led to a desirable outcome, instincts may dictate that an opposite course of action take place.
Shooting from the hip means making an instant decision in seconds. There is no time for the conscious mind to weigh options or look deeply into the situation. The first idea of a course of action becomes the last and is implemented immediately. People who tend to take risks are usually more comfortable with shooting from the hip, while people who are more conservative in their approach to life often prefer to inquire about possible outcomes rather than following this approach.
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