What is the origin of the expression “fire in the hole?
i didn’t have the answer to this myself, but i found this at http://www.word-detective.com/ “But the origins of “fire in the hole” lie deep in the history of perhaps the most dangerous civilian occupation on earth, underground coal mining. For much of its history in the US, such mining has depended on the use of black powder or dynamite to loosen the rock. When the charges had been placed, just before detonation, the cry “Fire in the hole!” was a warning to miners to clear the area and prepare for the explosion. Far from being an antiquated custom, the phrase is still legally required to be shouted in many states (Illinois mining regulations specify “The shot firer must give a loud, verbal warning such as ‘fire in the hole’ at least three (3) times before blasting”).” hope this helps!
