1. detaching a gun or cannon from its limber (wheeled support) to prepare it for firing
Usage: military; artillery
2. preparing or making ready for action
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The artillery crew began unlimbering their cannon as they reached the battlefield.
• After unlimbering the howitzer, the soldiers quickly loaded it with ammunition.
• The battery spent precious minutes unlimbering their guns under enemy fire.
• He was unlimbering his camera equipment for the photo shoot.
• The team started unlimbering their gear at the campsite.
• Unlimbering the field piece required coordinated effort from the entire crew.