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]

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Example Sentences

These trades would have been available at season’s end, maybe even with a better return not under the gun of the trade deadline.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s no question that streaming is now under the gun to be its own profit center,” Hanlon said.

From Los Angeles Times

That ability to change gears while staying uniquely true to themselves has remained part of Militarie Gun‘s appeal as they’ve grown from local darlings to an international powerhouse. Often mislabeled as a simple hardcore band from their early “All Roads Lead to the Gun” EPs and 2023’s “Life Under the Gun” debut album, Shelton’s relatably catchy songwriting has drawn in other musicians, fans and critics alike.

From Los Angeles Times

While the clear arc of “God Save the Gun” may be a new endeavor for Militarie Gun, the larger theme carries on what they started with “Life Under the Gun” and their early EPs.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon