Hold/put a gun to somebody’s head
phrase
To force someone to do something by threatening or pressuring them.
She felt like the company was holding a gun to her head, making her accept the lower payment.
Often appears as...
- feel like someone is holding a gun to their head
- hold a gun to someone's head forcefully
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To literally point a gun at someone's head, threatening to shoot.
In the movie, the villain holds a gun to the hero's head and makes his demands.
Often appears as...
- hold a gun to someone's head menacingly
- hold a gun to someone's head threateningly
phrase
To force someone to do something by threatening or pressuring them.
She felt like the company was holding a gun to her head, making her accept the lower payment.
Often appears as...
- feel like someone is holding a gun to their head
- hold a gun to someone's head forcefully
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To literally point a gun at someone's head, threatening to shoot.
In the movie, the villain holds a gun to the hero's head and makes his demands.
Often appears as...
- hold a gun to someone's head menacingly
- hold a gun to someone's head threateningly
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative sense
Used to describe extreme pressure, not actual violence.
The deadline was so tight, I felt like my boss had a gun to my head.
Pro Tip 2/3No physical threat
The 'gun' is symbolic for any sort of ultimatum or coercive tactic.
The contract had a huge penalty for canceling, it was like they put a gun to my head.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional impact
Indicates that someone feels trapped or cornered into making a decision.
I didn't want to sell my car, but the financial situation held a gun to my head.
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