Be gunning for
verb
To actively and strongly try to achieve something.
Ryan is gunning for a promotion and has been working really hard lately.
Often appears as...
- gunning for a promotion
- gunning for a position
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To want to attack or criticize someone.
The opposition party is always gunning for the prime minister.
Often appears as...
- gunning for criticism
- gunning for attack
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To actively and strongly try to achieve something.
Ryan is gunning for a promotion and has been working really hard lately.
Often appears as...
- gunning for a promotion
- gunning for a position
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To want to attack or criticize someone.
The opposition party is always gunning for the prime minister.
Often appears as...
- gunning for criticism
- gunning for attack
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Primarily used in informal situations among friends or colleagues.
He's really gunning for the top score in our class.
Pro Tip 2/3Determination Implied
Indicates a strong desire with a sense of determination to succeed.
She's been gunning for that scholarship with all her might.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity Connotation
Suggests an intense, almost aggressive pursuit of a goal.
They are gunning for a win at the championship game tonight.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Primarily used in informal situations among friends or colleagues.
He's really gunning for the top score in our class.
Pro Tip 2/3Determination Implied
Indicates a strong desire with a sense of determination to succeed.
She's been gunning for that scholarship with all her might.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity Connotation
Suggests an intense, almost aggressive pursuit of a goal.
They are gunning for a win at the championship game tonight.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Primarily used in informal situations among friends or colleagues.
He's really gunning for the top score in our class.
Pro Tip 2/3Determination Implied
Indicates a strong desire with a sense of determination to succeed.
She's been gunning for that scholarship with all her might.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity Connotation
Suggests an intense, almost aggressive pursuit of a goal.
They are gunning for a win at the championship game tonight.
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