run and gun
To do something hastily and with great energy.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We had to run and gun to finish the project on time.”
“The team had to run and gun to prepare the presentation after the client moved the deadline up by two days.”
“Lacking a clear strategy, the startup chose to run and gun, launching multiple products simultaneously in a desperate attempt to capture market share.”
- 01
big gun
A person, group, thing, or course of action that is powerful, influential, or particularly effective.
- 02
break into a run
To start running.
- 03
common run
Ordinary persons, things, or events.
- 04
dry run
A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present.
- 05
dummy run
A trial or practice before the real attempt.
- 06
eat one's gun
To commit suicide, especially by use of a firearm discharged into the victim's mouth.
- 07
fire the starting gun
To launch or trigger an event or situation.
- 08
give it the gun
To cause a specific vehicle to accelerate; to open the throttle of an engine.
Last updated August 10, 2026