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Synonyms

under the gun

Idioms  

  1. Under pressure to solve a problem or meet a deadline, as in The reporter was under the gun for that article on taxes. This idiom alludes to a gun being pointed at a person to force him or her to act. [Colloquial; c. 1900]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If automakers like GM were under the gun to go electric again, it would likely be a costly reversal for Magna and other suppliers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The radiation treatments lasted three months, for five days a week, ten minutes under the gun each time.

From Salon • May 21, 2025

State lawmakers are under the gun to make an initial decision by Monday, Feb. 5.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

Officials were under the gun to secure a political victory for the flagship legislation.

From Washington Times • Dec. 8, 2023

So Pa would take the ramrod from its place under the gun barrel, and fasten a piece of clean cloth on its end.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.