hired gun

noun

, Informal.

1. a person hired to kill someone, as a gunfighter or professional killer.
2. a person hired to bear arms and fight for another, as a bodyguard or mercenary.
3. a person, as a politician or lobbyist, skilled at attaining power for others.
4. a person hired to resolve difficult problems or disputes or to handle complex legal or business problems.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hired gun¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The actor, who plays “hired gun” Rip Wheeler in Taylor Sheridan’s neo-western drama, told People that it would “sure would be a shame to stop a great thing.”

From Los Angeles Times

One hired gun pushing the A’s stadium deal in Las Vegas told Shaikin that the ballpark would produce 5,400 jobs a year in team and stadium operations.

From Los Angeles Times

The best set piece involves Nina attacking a band of hired guns through an abandoned loft as the lighting switches to infrared hues, denoting not only Nina’s bloodlust, but also, her gashed open soul.

From New York Times

Was nobody from Cincinnati approached by USC or its hired guns Turnkey Search?

From Los Angeles Times

Tacopina attacked Carroll's expert as a "hired gun" and attacked Carroll for not going to the police about the alleged attack.

From Salon