hang fire

Verb

 * 1)  To fail to fire immediately when the trigger is pulled.
 * 2)  To wait or hold back.
 * 1)  To wait or hold back.

Noun

 * 1)  The situation when a gun does not immediately fire when the trigger is pulled, but may fire shortly after.

Usage notes

 * If the gun does not fire at all when triggered, the term misfire is normally used.