under the gun

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

under the gun

1. (idiomatic) Under great pressure to perform.

   Synonyms: under the cosh, (Australia, New Zealand) under the pump

   He was under the gun to finish the project quickly.

   • 2013, The National (lyrics and music), “I Need My Girl”, in Trouble Will Find Me:

     I'm under the gun again / I know I was a 45-percenter then / I know I was a lot of things

2. (poker) Of, pertaining to, or in the situation of first player to act on the first round of betting.

   Synonym: UTG

   James will be under the gun for the first hand of the final table.

3. (obsolete, military) Too close to be subject to artillery fire.

See also

• under fire