under the pump

USAGE SUMMARY

'under the pump' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It usually refers to feeling or being under a lot of pressure, so it could be used when describing someone who is feeling overwhelmed by a situation or workload. Example: The student was really under the pump with exams coming up and all of her assignments due.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're the team that are under the pump now.

The Guardian - Sport

When Justin Leppitsch is under the pump, blame Tom Rockliff.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was put under the pump right from the beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

"You guys have got us under the pump," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Five weeks ago they were under the pump, now they're talking top four.

The Guardian - Sport

"Right under the pump here lads," yelps Jos Buttler from behind the stumps.

The Guardian - Sport

"When we've got a team under the pump we've got to press our advantage home.

The Guardian - Sport

The two guys were in and suddenly he was put under the pump a bit.

The Guardian - Sport

In Australian trade, tech, financial and resources stocks were all under the pump.

The Guardian - Business

She's moving nicely and hitting cleanly, and Li Na, good as she is, is under the pump, one fancies.

The Guardian - Sport

Rob Cole Match report: Exeter 19-10 Gloucester Harlequins, with James Horwill in the sin-bin, were under the pump.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience; while widely understood in many English-speaking regions, "under the pump" may need clarification for non-native speakers or in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "under the pump" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in news and sports reporting, opt for more neutral alternatives like "under pressure" or "facing challenges" in scholarly contexts.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "under the pump" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being under significant pressure or stress. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the pump" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of being under significant pressure or stress. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It is commonly found in news, media, and sports contexts, conveying a sense of urgency and challenge. While widely understood, it might be too informal for academic or highly formal writing, where alternatives like "under pressure" or "facing challenges" are more appropriate. The phrase's function is adjectival, modifying a noun to emphasize the intensity of a situation. The varied examples available via Ludwig underscore its prevalence and versatility in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under pressure

Direct synonym, expressing a state of stress due to demands.

stressed out

Focuses on the emotional impact of being under pressure.

overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being unable to cope with demands.

in a tight spot

Suggests a difficult situation requiring careful handling.

up against it

Implies facing significant challenges or obstacles.

against the ropes

Metaphorical, suggesting being close to defeat or failure.

with one's back to the wall

Implies a defensive position with limited options.

in the hot seat

Focuses on the accountability and scrutiny of a pressured position.

walking a tightrope

Highlights the need for careful balance and precision.

burning the candle at both ends

Emphasizes working excessively and risking burnout.

FAQs

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

You can use "under the pump" to describe situations where someone is experiencing a lot of pressure. For example, "The team was "under the pump" to deliver the project on time."

What's a more formal alternative to "under the pump"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "under pressure", "experiencing challenges", or "facing difficulties" instead of "under the pump".

Is "under the pump" appropriate for academic writing?

While "under the pump" is widely understood, it's generally considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for more neutral and professional language such as "subject to intense scrutiny" or "experiencing significant demands".

What does it mean to say someone is "under the pump"?

To say someone is "under the pump" means they are "experiencing intense pressure", often due to deadlines, high expectations, or challenging circumstances. It implies they are working hard and possibly struggling to cope.