under the gun

Related to under the gun: UTG

under the gun

In a stressful situation that requires quick action, often to meet a deadline; under pressure. We have to get these pages to the printer by 8, so work faster, people—we're under the gun tonight! Has anyone called an ambulance? Judging by the severity of this man's injuries, we're really under the gun here.
See also: gun
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

under the gun

(about something) Go to under pressure.
See also: gun
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

under the gun

Under pressure to solve a problem or meet a deadline, as in The reporter was under the gun for that article on taxes. This idiom alludes to a gun being pointed at a person to force him or her to act. [Colloquial; c. 1900]
See also: gun
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

under the gun

mainly AMERICAN
If you are under the gun, you are under great pressure and your future success is not certain. We were under the gun. We were fighting for the very support that would ensure our ultimate survival. Society, in many ways, is under the gun. We have a multitude of problems — health problems, drug problems, crime problems, and so on.
See also: gun
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

under the gun

under great pressure. North American informal
See also: gun
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

under the ˈgun

(American English, informal) experiencing a lot of pressure: The deadline is in two days — we’re really under the gun. I’m under the gun to come up with new clients or else.
See also: gun
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

under the gun

mod. under pressure; under scrutiny. They’ve got the boss under the gun to get this thing wound up by Saturday.
See also: gun
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

under the gun

Under great pressure or under threat.
See also: gun
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • If it's not one thing, it's another!
  • it's one thing after another
  • (it's) one damn thing after another
  • be under the cosh
  • cosh
  • hairy situation
  • put (one) under the cosh
  • out of the frying pan (and) into the fire
  • out of the frying pan into the fire
  • hairy