noun
hotshot
HOT-shot
noun
1
Someone considered highly skilled or successful in their field, often said with a hint of sarcasm.
"The new hotshot lawyer won her first three cases."
"Nice parking job, hotshot."
2
A wildland firefighter trained for intense, self-sufficient frontline work carried in on foot.
"The hotshot crew hiked in to cut a firebreak ahead of the blaze."
3
A portable device used to jump-start a car battery.
"He kept a hotshot in the trunk for dead batteries."
How to Use Hotshot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone flashy and skilled — the word can be a genuine compliment or a mocking jab depending on tone.
Common mistake
Context decides the tone: "hotshot lawyer" can be admiring or sarcastic depending on delivery.
Common pairings
hotshot lawyer
local hotshot
hotshot crew
Word Forms
more hotshot comparative, hotshotted past tense, hotshots plural, hotshots singular, most hotshot superlative
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The new _____ lawyer won her first three cases.
Etymology
From hot + shot.