under the gun
In a stressful situation that requires quick action, often to meet a deadline; under pressure. We have to get these pages to the printer by 8, so work faster, people—we're under the gun tonight! Has anyone called an ambulance? Judging by the severity of this man's injuries, we're really under the gun here.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
under the gun
(about something) Go to under pressure.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
under the gun
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]
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.
under the gun
mainly AMERICANIf you are under the gun, you are under great pressure and your future success is not certain. We were under the gun. We were fighting for the very support that would ensure our ultimate survival. Society, in many ways, is under the gun. We have a multitude of problems — health problems, drug problems, crime problems, and so on.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
under the gun
under great pressure. North American informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
under the ˈgun
(American English, informal) experiencing a lot of pressure: The deadline is in two days — we’re really under the gun. ♢ I’m under the gun to come up with new clients or else.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
under the gun
mod. under pressure; under scrutiny. They’ve got the boss under the gun to get this thing wound up by Saturday.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
under the gun
Under great pressure or under threat.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.