Quick answer: “Under the gun” means under great pressure, especially to meet a tight deadline or complete a task very quickly.
Under the gun — Under great pressure, especially to meet a tight deadline or complete a task very quickly.
Origin & History
This American expression is generally thought to draw on the sense of being threatened or forced into hasty action, similar to being pressured “at gunpoint,” though the exact origin is not definitively documented.
Over time the phrase softened considerably, losing its literal threatening sense and coming to describe any situation involving intense pressure, particularly time pressure at work or in business.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The whole team was under the gun to finish the report by Friday. | Work, deadlines |
| She's under the gun with three deadlines this week. | Work, workload |
| Being under the gun made him work faster than usual. | Performance under pressure |
| The city council is under the gun to fix the roads before winter. | Public administration |
| We were under the gun to launch the product before the competitor did. | Business, competition |
How to Use It
This idiom is generally used to describe the situation directly, often following a form of the verb "to be" or paired with a verb of change such as "go" or "get." It works well in both spoken and written English, and is most effective when it clearly refers to a real, specific situation rather than being used vaguely.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He is under gun to finish the work.
He is under the gun to finish the work. — the article 'the' is required.
She is under a gun with deadlines.
She is under the gun with deadlines. — use 'the', not 'a'.
They were under the guns to deliver on time.
They were under the gun to deliver on time. — 'gun' stays singular.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
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Quick Check: Under the gun
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Under the gun” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “The whole team was _____ to finish the report by Friday.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Under the gun” mean?
“Under the gun” means Under great pressure, especially to meet a tight deadline or complete a task very quickly.
Where does the idiom “Under the gun” come from?
This American expression is generally thought to draw on the sense of being threatened or forced into hasty action, similar to being pressured “at gunpoint,” though the exact origin is not definitively documented.
Can you give an example of “Under the gun” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “The whole team was under the gun to finish the report by Friday.” — used in the context of work, deadlines.
Is “Under the gun” formal or informal?
This idiom is neutral. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and semi-formal writing, though it is generally avoided in strict formal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “Under the gun”?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a common upper-intermediate expression that appears in conversation, journalism, and general writing, and learners at this level should understand and be able to use it actively.
What are common mistakes with “Under the gun”?
A common mistake is: He is under gun to finish the work. The correct form is: He is under the gun to finish the work. (the article 'the' is required)
What idioms are similar to “Under the gun”?
Similar idioms include: Against the clock, Under pressure, Down to the wire, At the eleventh hour. These share a related meaning or usage context.
How do I practise idioms like “Under the gun”?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversation.
Can “Under the gun” be used in writing?
Yes. It works well in informal writing, emails, and journalism. In everyday and semi-formal writing it is a natural and clear choice.
Does “Under the gun” have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, “Under the gun” is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: Under great pressure, especially to meet a tight deadline or complete a task very quickly. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.