Under the gun
Meaning
To be under intense pressure, often due to a tight deadline or imminent consequences.
Origin
Imagine the stark, undeniable reality of a gun pointed directly at you, demanding immediate action without question. The phrase 'under the gun' captures this visceral feeling of coercion and urgent necessity. It emerged in the early to mid-20th century, especially as military and crime-related metaphors became potent shorthand in everyday English. This vivid imagery translates directly to situations where someone is forced to perform or deliver, with severe consequences for failure—a direct, no-nonsense demand for immediate results, whether on a battlefield or facing a tight deadline in the boardroom.
Examples
- The marketing team was under the gun to finalize the campaign before the product launch.
- He felt under the gun to perform well in the interview, knowing how many other candidates wanted the job.