verb action word that expresses a state of being or an action
preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence
When a soldier is staring down the barrel of a gun, they are facing a life-threatening situation.
An entrepreneur facing bankruptcy could be staring down the barrel of financial ruin.
A suspect might feel like they are staring down the barrel of a lengthy prison sentence.
A team that is losing by a large margin in a game may feel like they are staring down the barrel of defeat.
In a suspense novel, the protagonist may find themselves staring down the barrel of a gun during a tense confrontation.
A psychologist may use the phrase metaphorically when discussing a patient who is facing a difficult or challenging situation.
A lawyer may use this expression when referring to a client who is in a precarious legal position and facing serious consequences.
A business executive may use this phrase when describing a company that is facing a major crisis or threat to its survival.
A teacher may use this expression when describing a student who is failing multiple classes and is in danger of not graduating.