under the gun

ADVERB

under time pressure

Synonyms

WEAK

at gunpoint at knifepoint in a hurry pressured under duress under pressure under threat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If automakers like GM were under the gun to go electric again, it would likely be a costly reversal for Magna and other suppliers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“There’s no question that streaming is now under the gun to be its own profit center,” Hanlon said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

The radiation treatments lasted three months, for five days a week, ten minutes under the gun each time.

From Salon • May 21, 2025

State lawmakers are under the gun to make an initial decision by Monday, Feb. 5.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2024

So Pa would take the ramrod from its place under the gun barrel, and fasten a piece of clean cloth on its end.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder