hired gun

hired gun

1. A person who is hired to kill someone. Don't worry about that snitch. We've sent a couple of hired guns around to his house, so he won't be a problem for us much longer.
2. A person employed to provide armed protection for or fight on behalf of someone. Things have become so violent in the town that even the mayor has taken on some hired guns to keep him safe. The rebels brought in a few hired guns to help bolster their meager attack.
3. A person who is especially skilled at attaining power for others, such as a lobbyist or politician. The corporation has sent their best hired gun to convince the senator to vote against the environmental regulation bill.
4. A person hired to resolve difficult or complex problems or disputes, especially in business or law. Because of the intricacy of the legislation, the company brought in a hired gun to ensure the merger deal didn't hit any legal snags.
See also: gun, hire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hired gun

1. A person, especially a professional killer, employed to kill someone, as in They thought the murder had been done by a hired gun. The noun gun has been slang for a professional criminal since the mid-1800s.
2. A person with special knowledge or expertise who is employed to resolve a complex problem. For example, The legal team was looking for a hired gun to handle the antitrust angle of the case. [Slang; 1960s]
See also: gun, hire
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hired gun

n. a paid assassin. (Underworld.) The cops are holding a well-known hired gun until they can prepare charges.
See also: gun, hire
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • iceman
  • a new broom
  • new broom
  • cat around
  • hit man
  • hired muscle
  • lardass
  • goon
  • goon squad
References in periodicals archive
Sure, the bottom line is that the expert witness is the hired gun of insurance litigation, but such a person can impact and add real value in the reasonable resolution of insurance disputes.
Hired guns: insurance professionals can use their experience to help resolve disputes--and earn extra cash
This fact is elucidated by a report published in our competition that sheds light on how the US employs defence contractors the hired guns to promote its strategic interests.
Contractors aka hired guns
ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan has dismissed the notion that he was involved in a Twitter war with US President Donald Trump and asserted that he would never want to have a relationship where Pakistan is treated like a 'hired gun'.
Pakistan won't be treated like a hired gun, PM says on US ties
ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first foreign interview to the Washington Post has told President Donald Trump that Pakistan is not US' hired gun anymore.
Pakistan not your 'hired gun' anymore: Imran tells Trump
Politicians probed for links to hired gun syndicate !-- -- Emmanuel Tupas (The Philippine Star) - November 13, 2018 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating several politicians who allegedly connived with a gun-for-hire syndicate to liquidate their political opponents.
Politicians probed for links to hired gun syndicate
Antonio Banderas is a sociopathic hired gun trying to kill rival hitman Sly Stallone in an underrated action film.
WEDNESDAY
Thankfully for Lenny he has his hired gun Erin, the lawyer who would happily cut a deal with the devil if she could get a pound out of it.
LENNY TAKES NEW SHINE TO CHROME; River City BBC1
John Benson, representing Mr Routledge, said it was "nonsense" that Mr Locke could assume an independent role, adding: "You were a hired gun."
TRUSTEE'S BORTHER WAS A 'HIRED GUN'
Sunday Unforgiven C5 9pm Clint Eastwood bids so long to the Western by directing and starring in this Oscar-sweeping masterpiece about a hired gun drawn back to a life of violence.
Films of the week
His tactical knowledge was second to none, he became a hired gun in the corner of no less than 43 world champions.
Legendary trainer Steward mourned; Saturday, 27 October, 2012 South Wales Echo Fight Scene Wales Kevin Hayde - the promoter with a punch sport@walesonline.co.uk
Meanwhile Darko (Karel Roden), who represents Anna''s father, heads into the mountains with hired gun Andy (Eamonn Walker) and a suitcase containing the ransom money that should ensure the girl''s safe return.
Between a rock and a hard place; A LONELY PLACE TO DIE
Midso (8.00p Barnaby heroes H to play a Rocks fe drumme years ag car into Nettles h detectiv omer Murders pm) y is delighted that his Hired Gun are reuniting at the Midsomer estival - minus their er, who disappeared 30 go after driving his a quarry.
Pick of the day
It also emerged today that Shane had started up an internet blog with the online nickname of 'Baby Gatman' (young hired gun or hitman) in which he spoke of his love of rap, hip hop music and football.
2 charged over pool killing
Dilys Steels's prolific scorer overcame a tardy start to post 17.79sec, five spot quicker than the David Pruhs-trained Hired Gun in the opening heat over the 305-metre course.
Dog Racing: Timmins at the double with Corleones brothers
Tom is delighted to hear his rock heroes Hired Gun are reuniting to play at the Midsomer Rocks festival.
Friday: Pick of the day