Idiom
under the gun
Meanings
Under intense pressure, especially because of a deadline or urgent situation.
In a situation where you must perform well because people are watching or stakes are high (often in sports or public performance).
Definition
Under the gun means being under strong pressure, especially because there is little time left to act.
If you are under the gun, you feel intense pressure to perform or finish something quickly. It often refers to working against a deadline or being closely watched while you must deliver results. In American English it is common in work, school, sports, and business contexts.
Examples
- We’re under the gun to finish the report by noon.
- She was under the gun during the presentation, but she handled the questions well.
- The team is under the gun after two straight losses.
- I’m under the gun this week, so I can’t take on any extra tasks.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it to mean “in danger of being shot,” but it usually means pressure from time, expectations, or scrutiny.
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.