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Region: General | Usage example: They were under the gun to finish the pitch deck.

Under the gun

Meaning

Under intense time pressure.

Usage

Used when deadlines force haste.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Military imagery of exposure to gunfire.

Used since World War I contexts.

Related Idioms

Under your thumb

Under someone’s control.

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

Under your belt

Gained experience or completed.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.