give it the gun: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  UKAustraliaNew ZealandinformalidiomaticMachine
  • To open the throttle of a motor vehicle or engine and cause it to accelerate; to apply full power.

  Examples

  Beta

  • When the road opened up, he gave it the gun and accelerated past the other cars.

    When the road opened up, he opened the throttle and accelerated past the other cars.

  • The motorcyclist gave it the gun as he raced toward the finish line.

    The motorcyclist applied full power as he raced toward the finish line.

  • If you give it the gun too early, you might run out of fuel before the pit stop.

    If you accelerate too early, you might run out of fuel before the pit stop.

• 2.

  UKAustraliaNew ZealandinformalfigurativeMachine
  • To proceed with maximum speed, intensity, or force; to push something forward rapidly or energetically.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The campaign gave it the gun in the final week, pushing hard to secure votes.

    The campaign proceeded with maximum intensity in the final week, pushing hard to secure votes.

  • They gave it the gun on the project deadline, working around the clock to finish on time.

    They pushed forward with maximum effort on the project deadline, working around the clock to finish on time.

  • If you want to succeed, you have to give it the gun and not hold back.

    If you want to succeed, you have to proceed with full intensity and not hold back.