hired gun: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hired gun’ mean?
The idiom "hired gun" refers to a person who is hired to perform a specific task, often of a questionable or morally ambiguous nature, such as providing professional services, especially those involving violence or illegal activities, in exchange for payment.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "judge, jury, and executioner" refers to a person who takes on multiple roles in a situation, unilaterally making decisions and carrying out their own form of justice without any oversight or input from others.
The idiom "inside job" refers to a crime or wrongdoing that is committed by someone within an organization or group, often involving betrayal of trust or abuse of power.
The idiom "hired muscle" refers to a person or group of individuals who are employed to use force or intimidation to achieve a specific goal or objective. They are typically hired by someone to protect their interests or to carry out illegal or violent activities on their behalf.
The idiom "guns blazing" means to engage in a task or activity with great determination, energy, and enthusiasm.
The meaning of the idiom *gun jumping* is to act prematurely or make assumptions without having all the necessary information. It is often used in legal and business contexts when someone takes actions or makes decisions without properly considering the consequences.
The idiom "goon squad" refers to a group of aggressive and intimidating individuals who work together to enforce an agenda, often involving coercion or violence.
The idiom "goon squad" originated in America in the 1920s. It is used to describe a group of aggressive individuals who work together, often for nefarious purposes. The word "goon" originally referred to a hired thug or heavy in a criminal organization.
The idiom "go great guns" means to work or proceed with great energy, speed, or enthusiasm. It suggests a strong and successful effort, often used in reference to someone excelling or achieving a goal. The phrase originated from the booming sound of guns during battle or shooting competitions.
Gun for hire
The phrase "hired gun" has a strong and compelling meaning. It refers to an individual who is hired to perform a specific task or job, often of a controversial or dangerous nature. This idiom originated in the American Old West, where it was used to describe someone who was paid to carry out violent acts to settle disputes.
A hired gun is characterized by their lack of personal investment in the situation. They are brought in as an outsider, solely for their expertise and ability to get the job done. This detachment and impartiality allow them to approach the task objectively, which may not be possible for those directly involved.
The term "hired gun" has evolved beyond its literal meaning and can now be used metaphorically in various contexts. In a business setting, for example, it can refer to a consultant or specialist who is hired to solve a specific problem or achieve a particular goal. This conveys the idea of someone who is temporarily brought in to provide their skills without any long-term commitment.
AddId:The idiom "hired gun" is similar to the expression "hired muscle." Both idioms involve individuals being hired for their skills and abilities to carry out tasks. However, "hired muscle" specifically refers to individuals who are hired for their physical strength or ability to intimidate others. It often implies involvement in criminal activities or illegal operations.
PAddId:The idiom "hired gun" can also be related to the expression "big gun." While both idioms involve someone being hired, "big gun" specifically refers to someone who has a high level of skill or expertise in a particular field. It conveys the idea of someone who is highly respected and influential in their area of expertise.
Additionally, the idiom "hired gun" is associated with mercenaries, individuals who are paid to fight in conflicts or wars on behalf of a particular group or organization. This further emphasizes the concept of someone being hired for their skills and abilities, without any personal loyalty or conviction.
AddId:Another related idiom is "give it the gun." This expression means to put in a lot of effort or give something your all. It can be used to describe someone who is working hard or putting forth a lot of energy and effort in a particular task or endeavor.
The term "hired gun" can sometimes have negative connotations due to its association with violence and the portrayal of individuals as morally ambiguous or mercenary. This can lead to mistrust or suspicion. However, it is essential to recognize the various contexts in which this idiom is used and the different implications it can have in each situation.
The idiom "hired gun" captures the idea of an individual who is hired for their skills, expertise, or willingness to carry out specific tasks or jobs. Its origins in the American Old West and its metaphorical use highlight the detached and impartial nature of these individuals, as well as their ability to navigate controversial or dangerous situations.
PAddId:Another related idiom is "hatchet man." This expression refers to someone who is hired to carry out difficult or unpleasant tasks, often involving making tough decisions or taking actions that others may find disagreeable. It conveys the idea of someone who is willing to do the dirty work that others may not want to do.
The idiom "hired gun" is a powerful and evocative expression of the complexities of human involvement and motivation. It encompasses individuals who are hired for their skills and abilities, whether in the literal or metaphorical sense, to carry out specific tasks or jobs. While it may carry negative connotations in some cases, it is important to consider the varied contexts in which this idiom is used and the different implications it can have.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hired gun" can be used in a sentence:
- She hired a successful lawyer as a hired gun to help with her legal case.
- The company brought in a hired gun to lead their sales team and boost revenue.
- In the political campaign, the candidate employed a hired gun to handle his public relations and improve his image.
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