Gun for Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡən/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

GUN-fer

UK

ɡˈʌn/ /fˈɔː

gun-FAW

Definition

To strongly try to get or achieve something, often a job, position, or goal; sometimes also to try to defeat or harm someone.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal or spoken English. Common with goals: 'gun for a promotion'; or rivals: 'He's gunning for the top spot.' Implies determination and focused effort, sometimes with an aggressive tone. Not about literal guns.

• Spanish: apuntar a - ir tras - esforzarse por
• Portuguese (BR): mirar para conseguir - querer muito - tentar alcançar
• Portuguese (PT): tentar alcançar - ambicionar - visar
• Chinese (Simplified): 力图获得 - 追求 - 瞄准
• Chinese (Traditional): 力圖獲得 - 追求 - 瞄準
• Hindi: लक्ष्य बनाना - जीतने की कोशिश करना
• Arabic: يسعى للحصول على - يطمح إلى - يستهدف
• Bengali: জোর চেষ্টা করা - প্রতিযোগিতায় লড়া - কারো ক্ষতি করার চেষ্টা করা
• Russian: нацеливаться на - стремиться к
• Japanese: 狙う（ねらう） - 手に入れようとする
• Vietnamese: nhắm đến - cố giành lấy
• Korean: 노리다 - 차지하려고 하다
• Turkish: göz dikmek - elde etmeye çalışmak
• Urdu: کوشش کرنا - نشانہ بنانا (مقصد حاصل کرنے کے لیے)
• Indonesian: mengincar - berusaha keras mendapat

Example Sentences

She is gunning for the manager position at work.

basic

The team is gunning for the championship this year.

basic

They are gunning for first place in the contest.

basic

Watch out—he's really gunning for your job.

natural

Everyone in the office is gunning for the same promotion.

natural

He’s always gunning for me in meetings, trying to make me look bad.

natural