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Put a Gun to Someone's Head

What Does "Put a Gun to Someone's Head" Mean?

homeidiomsPut a Gun to Someone's Head
"Put a gun to someone's head" is an English idiom. It means "to use threats, coercion, or intimidation to force someone to do something against their will."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "put a gun to someone's head" used in a sentence:
  • He felt like they were putting a gun to his head by demanding he sign the contract immediately.
  • The kidnapper put a gun to her head and demanded a ransom for her release.
  • Using blackmail to put a gun to someone's head is a criminal act and is punishable by law.
meaning for put a gun to someone's head

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Put a Gun to Someone's Head" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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