# give it the gun

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-it-the-gun
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause a specific vehicle to accelerate; to open the throttle of an engine.

## Examples

- Give it the gun so we can pass this slow truck.
- When the light turned green, he gave it the gun to merge quickly onto the busy highway.
- Realizing the storm was closing in rapidly, the pilot gave it the gun to gain altitude and clear the mountain pass before visibility dropped.

## Origin

Originally from the US.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.