hired gun

USAGE SUMMARY

"hired gun" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is hired to do a specific job or task, often in a skilled or professional capacity. For example: - "The company hired a marketing expert as a hired gun to help boost sales." - "In the movie, the protagonist is a hired gun who takes on dangerous missions for money." - "The politician was accused of using hired guns to spread negative information about his opponent." - "Despite being a hired gun, the consultant was highly respected for his expertise in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I'm not a hired gun.

The New York Times - Sports

I was more of a hired gun.

The New York Times - Arts

"You could call him the greatest hired gun".

The Guardian - Film

In those jobs you are always sort of the hired gun.

The New York Times - Sports

John Wayne, 60 at the time, plays the fastest hired gun in the west.

The New York Times

"I've been the hired gun a lot of times in the postseason," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

New Jersey's hired gun might be better off moving back to Washington.

The New York Times

Detective Sayles, who works the case from the other side, has a lot in common with the hired gun.

The New York Times - Books

For his part, Abu Nidal served for a while as Mr. Hussein's hired gun in missions to subvert Syria's regime.

The New York Times

Aiplex, the bastard hired gun that DDoS'd TPB (The Pirate Bay), is already down!

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or another four-year sentence under George W. Bush's next hired-gun?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hired gun" when you want to convey that someone is being brought in for their specific skills or influence, often with the implication that they are primarily motivated by financial gain and may not have long-term loyalty to the organization or cause.

Common error

While "hired gun" is understood, it can sound overly cynical or negative in formal or business writing. Consider using more neutral terms like "consultant", "specialist", or "contractor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hired gun" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe a person. It signifies someone employed for a specific task, particularly where expertise or a forceful approach is required. Examples provided by Ludwig show its frequent use in media when describing individuals brought in to achieve a specific goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hired gun" functions as a noun phrase, typically describing someone employed for their specific skills to achieve a particular objective, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it appears predominantly in neutral contexts like News & Media and Sports, its informal register means it should be used sparingly in formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Related terms include "gun for hire", "mercenary", or in less negative scenarios: "consultant" or "specialist". The core meaning implies expertise, targeted outcomes, and a transactional relationship, often with a slightly negative connotation suggesting primary motivation by financial gain. Therefore, while the phrase is valid, writers should consider the context and desired tone when choosing to use "hired gun".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gun for hire

This is a direct synonym emphasizing the mercenary aspect and willingness to use aggressive tactics.

mercenary

Refers to someone who works primarily for financial gain, often in armed conflict, emphasizing the profit motive.

expert for hire

Emphasizes expertise but also the availability of that expertise for a fee.

outside expert

Stresses that the individual is not a permanent member of the organization and provides a specialized viewpoint.

contractor

Implies a formal agreement for specific services, lacking the negative connotations sometimes associated with "hired gun".

freelancer

Similar to contractor, but generally refers to independent workers offering their skills to multiple clients.

specialist

Focuses on the expertise an individual brings to a task, without implying a mercenary motive.

independent operator

Highlights the autonomy and self-reliance of the person.

consultant

Similar to specialist, often used in business contexts to describe experts brought in for specific projects.

professional

A general term for someone earning a living through skilled work. Lacks the negative connotations of "hired gun".

FAQs

What does the term "hired gun" mean?

A "hired gun" typically refers to someone employed for their expertise or ability to achieve a specific outcome, often with the implication that they are motivated primarily by financial gain and may not have strong allegiances.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hired gun"?

Use "hired gun" when you want to suggest that someone is being brought in for their specific skills, especially when those skills involve persuasion, problem-solving, or even potentially aggressive tactics, and that their loyalty is primarily to their fee.

What are some alternative phrases for "hired gun"?

You can use alternatives like "gun for hire", "mercenary", "consultant" (depending on the context), or "specialist".

Is "hired gun" a positive or negative term?

The term "hired gun" often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person is primarily motivated by money and may not have strong ethical considerations. However, it can also be used neutrally to simply describe someone brought in for their expertise.