put a gun to (someone's) head

put a gun to (someone's) head

To force someone to do something they do not want to do, especially by the use of threats or intimidation (not necessarily with an actual gun). Look, no one is putting a gun to your head. If you don't want to come, then just stay here. The city council has put a gun to our heads to trim the budget wherever possible.
See also: gun, head, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • beat (someone or something) into (something)
  • beat into
  • put the screws
  • put the screws to (someone)
  • slap (one) about
  • slap (one) around
  • slap around
  • terrify (one) out of (something or some place)
  • terrorize
  • terrorize (one) into (something)