at gunpoint

1. Literally, in a position of having a gun pointed at one, as in an armed robbery. The robber held the security guard at gunpoint. The officers caught the man attempting to rob the store owners at gunpoint. Do you think you would recognize the guy who held you up at gunpoint?

2. By extension, in a position of being held under extreme pressure or aggressively coerced. Don't try to hold me at gunpoint—I'll make a decision when I'm good and ready! Look, you're not at gunpoint. If you don't want to come, then just stay here. The city council practically has us at gunpoint to trim the budget wherever possible.

at knifepoint

In a position of having a knife pointed at one, as in an armed robbery. The robber held the security guard at knifepoint. The officers caught the man attempting to rob the store owners at knifepoint. Do you think you would recognize the guy who held you up at knifepoint?

knifepoint

The sharp end of a knife, which can be pointed at someone to subdue them. The robber held the security guard at knifepoint.

at gunpoint

Also, at knifepoint. Under coercion, as in I'm going to hold him at gunpoint for that raise he promised me last year. Both these phrases were at first used literally and later also figuratively. [Mid-1900s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

at ˈknifepoint

while being threatened, or threatening somebody, with a knife: She was attacked at knifepoint.

at gunpoint

Under or as if under the threat of being shot.

at knifepoint

Under threat of being stabbed or cut with a knife: was mugged at knifepoint.