# hired gun

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hired-gun
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person who is employed to advance the interests of their employer, especially in a vigorous manner using such methods as political lobbying, legal advocacy, or persuasion.

## Examples

- The company hired a gun to win the legal battle.
- The politician brought in a hired gun to manage his public image and attack his opponent's record during the campaign.
- The corporation deployed a seasoned hired gun to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure the merger proceeded without further legislative interference.

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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.