Under the gun
adverb
Facing a lot of pressure or urgent demand.
The team is under the gun to finish the project on time.
Often appears as...
- under the gun to finish
- under the gun to deliver
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
At risk, in danger, in a difficult situation.
The soldiers were under the gun as the enemy advanced.
Often appears as...
- under the gun of attack
- under the gun of threat
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
Facing a lot of pressure or urgent demand.
The team is under the gun to finish the project on time.
Often appears as...
- under the gun to finish
- under the gun to deliver
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
At risk, in danger, in a difficult situation.
The soldiers were under the gun as the enemy advanced.
Often appears as...
- under the gun of attack
- under the gun of threat
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Time Pressure
Use it to describe situations with tight deadlines and a need for quick action.
I'm under the gun to submit my essay by tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Work Stress
It's often used to express stress related to job tasks or responsibilities.
She feels under the gun with the upcoming audit.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight
Conveys anxiety or stress emotions felt in high-pressure situations.
Under the gun, his hands shook as he presented.
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