What does "gun" mean?

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In addition to the idiom beginning with gun, also see at gunpoint; big cheese (gun); great guns; hired gun; hold a gun to someone's head; jump the gun; smoking gun; son of a bitch (gun); stick to one's guns; under the gun.

See gun in WNW Idioms

big gun

Slang

an important and influential person
a high-ranking military officer

give it the gun

Etymology: from the resemblance of early airplane accelerators to the trigger of a gun

Slang to cause something to start or gain speed

go great guns

Slang to act with speed and efficiency

gun for

to hunt for with a gun
to look for in order to shoot or harm
Slang to try to get; seek

jump the gun

Informal

to begin a race before the signal has been given
to begin anything before the proper time

spike someone's guns

to frustrate or defeat someone

stick to one's guns

Informal to hold one's position under attack; not withdraw or retreat; be firm

under the gun

Informal in a tense, demanding situation or threatened state, often one involving a deadline

See gun in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

go great guns

To proceed or perform with great speed, skill, or success.

hold a gun to (someone's) head

To put pressure on someone.

under the gun

Under great pressure or under threat.

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