Idiom
under the gun
Meanings
Under intense pressure to act quickly, usually because of an urgent deadline or high expectations.
In poker, required to act first in a betting round (the first player to the left of the dealer).
Definition
Under the gun means under strong pressure to act quickly, often because of a deadline or urgent situation.
If you are under the gun, you are working or acting under intense pressure and time limits. It often refers to having a deadline very soon or being closely watched while you must perform. People use it for work, school, sports, or any high-stakes situation where there is little room for delay.
Examples
- We’re under the gun to finish the report before noon.
- I was under the gun during the interview and forgot a key detail.
- The team played better when they were under the gun in the final minutes.
- She’s under the gun to submit her application by Friday.
- He’s under the gun at work because two coworkers are out sick.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (adjective phrase)s
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
- over the moon Extremely happy or delighted about something.
- easy as pie Something that is easy as pie is very easy to do or understand.
- off one's trolley To be crazy or acting in a very irrational way.
- right as rain Used to say someone or something feels completely well or is back to normal.