idioms using “gun”

The big guns

The top officials or top management

“The negotiations weren’t going well in New York so our company flew in the big guns to finalize the deal.”

Gunning for

Pushing for, promoting

“The labor union has been gunning for a shorter workweek; they want 37 hours instead of 40 hours.”

Jump the gun

To act prematurely, to move too quickly

“The police are still gathering evidence; they don’t want to jump the gun and make an arrest until they have absolute proof.”

Stick to one’s guns

To refuse to change one’s mind, though others disagree

“Though every major maker is abandoning this technology, our company is sticking to its guns and continuing pour money into R&D.”

Under the gun

Under great pressure

“Matsubara-san is under the gun to deliver a 15% return on his investors’ money.”