shoot one's wad
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To expend all of one's resources or efforts; to express all the arguments or ideas which one has.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Well, I guess I have about "shot my wad," and had better "cork up," or I might find my way to the waste-basket.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To spend all of one's money.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To ejaculate.
Register: slang, vulgar
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “shoot one's wad” mean?
To expend all of one's resources or efforts; to express all the arguments or ideas which one has.
Is “shoot one's wad” formal or informal?
shoot one's wad is generally slang.