loaded for bear

An allusion to equipping oneself with the sort of heavy weaponry suitable for hunting large animals.

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loaded for bear (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) Thoroughly equipped, as for a demanding task or confrontation.
   • 1955, Edward Latimer Beach, chapter 6, in Run Silent, Run Deep:

     "The whole Jap Navy," said Captain Sams, waving at a map of Japan on the wall behind him, "has been steaming across the Pacific loaded for bear."

2. (idiomatic) Mentally prepared for a daunting situation or confrontation.
   • 1917, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 35, in Anne's House of Dreams:

     Every Elliott and Crawford and MacAllister is on the warpath, loaded for bear.

• lock and load
• arm to the teeth