fire in anger

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A phrase used in military contexts to describe the use of a projectile weapon in deliberately causing damage or harm to an opponent, as opposed to a warning or practice shot.^[1] For example, the Napier of Magdala Battery "never fired a shot in anger" means the battery never engaged in combat.
Despite the use of the word "anger", the phrase is not intended to describe the emotional state of the firer.^[1]

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Wicaksono, Rachel. "Fire in anger". Ask About English. BBC World Service. URL accessed on 6 August 2010.