gun
A portable firearm
A small weapon you hold in your hand that shoots bullets.
to fire [a gun]
- The police officer drew his gun.
- She learned how to clean and maintain her gun.
- Gun violence is a serious problem in many cities.
- He pointed the gun at the target.
- The suspect was found with an illegal gun.
- The man has a gun.
- He uses a gun to hunt.
- I see a police officer with a gun.
- The soldier carries a gun.
- She cleans her gun every week.
Device for spraying or shooting material
A tool that pushes out paint, nails, or another material with force.
[something] gun
- The painter used a spray gun to cover the wall quickly.
- He fixed the chair with a nail gun.
- A glue gun can make crafting easier.
- I have a spray gun for painting.
- She uses a glue gun for art.
- He works with a nail gun every day.
Accelerate suddenly or strongly
To make a car or engine go faster very quickly.
to gun [the engine]
- He gunned the engine and sped off.
- The driver gunned it to beat the light.
- She gunned the boat across the lake.
- He gunned the car and left fast.
- She gunned it to cross the road.
- The boat gunned across the water.
A person skilled in shooting or armed work
A person who is good at using guns.
- The gang brought in a hired gun for the job.
- He's the top gun in the tournament.
- They called in their best gun to handle security.
- He is a hired gun.
- She is the top gun in the team.
- They use their best gun for the job.
- Base: gun
- Plural: guns
- Base: gun
- 3rd Person Singular: guns
- Present Participle: gunning
- Past: gunned
- Irregular present participle: gunning Verb
- Irregular past: gunned Verb
big guns
1Important or powerful people in a field
People who have power or are important in an area of work or activity.
- They brought in the big guns for the negotiation.
- The big guns of the tech industry met at the conference.
under the gun
1Under time or performance pressure
Feeling stress because you must do something quickly or by a certain time.
- I'm really under the gun with this project due tomorrow.
- They've been under the gun since the new boss arrived.
jump the gun
1Act too early or prematurely
To start doing something too soon before you should.
- They jumped the gun by announcing the product before it was ready.
- I think we jumped the gun by announcing the project before getting approval.
- Don't jump the gun on your assignment; wait for instructions.
- Don’t jump the gun—wait until we have all the facts.
son of a gun
1mild surprise or admiration
A friendly way to show surprise or that you think someone is clever or lucky.
- Well, you son of a gun, you actually did it!
- Well, son of a gun! I didn't expect to see you here.
- You son of a gun, that was amazing.
- That son of a gun fixed my car for free.
stick to your guns
1Refuse to change decision/opinion
To keep your opinion or plan even when people say you are wrong.
- She stuck to her guns during the debate.
- Even under criticism, he stuck to his guns.
stick to your guns
2Stay firm in your beliefs or decisions
To not change your opinion or decision even when people disagree with you.
- Even under pressure, she stuck to her guns and refused to sign the deal.
- You should stick to your guns if you believe you're right.