push the gun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "push the gun" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to firearms, either literally or metaphorically, such as in discussions about pressure or urgency. Example: "In a moment of panic, he had to push the gun away from his face to regain control of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When he saw a Chinese soldier about to execute a wounded comrade, Sgt. First Class Herbert A. Miller, he rushed to push the gun away.

The New York Times

It's good to have him back in the team and it's always good to have those guys that can push the gun up near 150ks.

The Guardian - Sport

I think I'd stop". "What if you just reach over and push the gun down while he looks at you?" "Oh, that's fine.

The Guardian - Film

The reality is that the Supreme Court's middle ground position is exactly where the American people are, and it has helped push the gun debate away from squabbling about 200-year-old history into practical discussions about how to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people today.

Huffington Post

If you are stronger you should be able to push the gun into the sand 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 cm) and only need one plunge.

WikiHow

There's a neat logic to the N.R.A.'s marketing push: the gun is an essential implement of democracy, so gun rights should appeal to people whose history has been defined by the struggle to achieve civil rights.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

At the other end of the spectrum, showing up to push the "guns are good" message, will be S.E.

Huffington Post

Using his second hand, he gently pushes the gun forward.

The New Yorker

A few were at 88 m.p.h., and one fastball pushed the gun to 91.

The New York Times - Sports

He pushed the gun down toward Dorismond and they continued to grapple briefly.

The New York Times

Mr. Alvarez said he struggled with Mr. Soto, pushing the gun down to prevent Mr. Soto from shooting him in the upper body.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push the gun" in writing, ensure the context is clear whether it refers to a physical action involving a firearm or a metaphorical push for gun-related issues, like legislation or control.

Common error

Avoid using "push the gun" in ambiguous situations where it could be misconstrued as promoting violence or being insensitive to gun-related tragedies. Choose clearer phrasing to avoid unintentional offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the gun" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As Ludwig examples show, it describes either a literal action of moving a firearm or a figurative action related to advocating for gun-related issues. It can refer to applying force to the firearm.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "push the gun" encompasses both literal physical actions and metaphorical advocacy, demanding careful contextual consideration. While grammatically correct, its infrequent usage and potential for misinterpretation necessitate deliberate phrasing to prevent ambiguity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. For example, it appears in contexts spanning from disarming situations to political debates. To enhance clarity, consider more explicit alternatives like "force the gun forward" or "promote gun control" depending on the intended meaning. The user should also be aware that the phrase's register trends toward informal, with varied degrees of frequency across different authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force the gun forward

Emphasizes a forward motion applied to the gun.

apply pressure to the firearm

Rephrases the physical interaction with a gun, emphasizing force.

manipulate the firearm

Describes handling the gun, often implying a degree of skill or control.

depress the gun barrel

Focuses on the action of lowering the barrel.

promote gun ownership

Focuses on advocating for the right to own firearms, shifting from physical action to advocacy.

advance gun rights

Similar to promoting ownership, but emphasizes the legal and political aspects.

advocate for firearms

Highlights the act of publicly supporting or defending guns.

influence gun policy

Shifts the focus to affecting laws and regulations related to firearms.

urge gun control

Emphasizes the urgent need for regulating firearms.

support gun legislation

Focuses on backing specific laws related to firearms.

FAQs

How can I use "push the gun" in a sentence?

The phrase "push the gun" can be used literally, describing a physical action, or metaphorically to describe advocating for gun-related issues. For example: "He had to push the gun away in self-defense" or "They aim to push the gun control agenda forward".

What are some alternatives to "push the gun" when describing physical action?

When describing physical interaction, consider alternatives like "force the gun forward" or "manipulate the firearm" for a more descriptive and less ambiguous meaning.

What are some alternatives to "push the gun" when describing advocacy?

To describe advocacy, consider alternatives like "promote gun ownership", "advance gun rights", or "urge gun control" to specify the nature of the advocacy.

Is "push the gun" always appropriate to use in discussions about firearms?

The appropriateness of using "push the gun" depends heavily on the context and audience. Due to its potential for misinterpretation or insensitivity, especially in discussions about gun violence, it's often better to use more precise language.