under the gun

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the gun" is a phrase commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where someone is feeling pressure to act or make a decision quickly. For example: "With the deadline coming up, we're all under the gun to finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are under the gun.

The New Yorker

"So I'm still under the gun".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's under the gun down there".

The New York Times

But Mr. Gehl was under the gun.

The New York Times

Dissidents and deviants of various stripes were under the gun.

The New York Times - Arts

Under the gun Cod's own country Loosening up?

The Economist

Like their fellow citizens, performers were under the gun.

The New York Times - Books

"Final Fantasy" is animation, which puts it under the gun.

The New York Times

"I'm under the gun now," Mr. Davenport said.

The New York Times

So, again, Mr. Prince is under the gun.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When we feel under-the-gun or anxious, we often turn to food for comfort.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "under pressure" or "feeling the heat" if "under the gun" feels too informal for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "under the gun" vaguely. Always make clear what or who is creating the pressure. For instance, instead of saying "They were under the gun", specify, "They were under the gun to meet the deadline" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the gun" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of pressure or stress. As Ludwig AI also suggests, it describes a situation where someone is feeling pressure to act or make a decision quickly. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing individuals or teams facing deadlines or scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the gun" is a common idiom used to describe a state of being "under pressure" or facing scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates urgency and stress in a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is also acceptable in Academia and Formal & Business settings, though less frequent. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify the source of the pressure when using this phrase. While generally considered grammatically correct, one should aim to not use it for very formal writing. When needing alternative expressions to the term "under the gun" consider "under pressure" or "feeling the heat".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under pressure

This alternative directly replaces "under the gun" with a more general term for stress or urgency.

feeling the heat

This idiomatic expression conveys a sense of intense pressure or stress.

in the hot seat

This emphasizes the aspect of being in a position where one is likely to face criticism.

facing scrutiny

This alternative focuses on the aspect of being closely examined or judged.

in a tight spot

This suggests being in a difficult situation requiring careful handling.

with one's back to the wall

This vividly portrays a situation with limited options and high stakes.

up against it

This implies facing significant challenges or obstacles.

on the spot

This suggests being forced to make a decision or perform immediately.

against the clock

This highlights the time constraint and urgency of the situation.

pushed to the limit

This indicates being stretched to the maximum extent of one's abilities or resources.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "under the gun"?

Being "under the gun" means experiencing significant pressure to perform or make a decision, often within a limited time frame or under challenging circumstances. It implies a stressful and demanding situation.

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

You can use "under the gun" to describe situations where someone faces pressure. For example, "The team was "under the gun" to finish the project on time" or "He felt "under the gun" during the presentation".

What are some alternative ways to say "under the gun"?

Alternatives include "under pressure", "feeling the heat", or "in a tight spot". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "under the gun" an informal expression?

Yes, "under the gun" is generally considered an informal, idiomatic expression. While widely understood and acceptable in many contexts, it might be preferable to use more formal alternatives like "under pressure" in highly formal or professional settings.