Pronunciation: [ɡˈʌn ɪt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "gun it" is fairly straightforward. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ɡʌn ɪt/. The first part, "gun," is spelled with a "g" and a "u" followed by an "n." The second part, "it," is spelled with an "i" and a "t." Together, the phrase means to accelerate quickly, often in a vehicle. It's a common expression used in driving or racing contexts.
"Gun it" is an informal idiomatic expression primarily used in North America, especially in the United States, which refers to the act of accelerating or increasing speed rapidly, usually while driving a vehicle. The phrase typically conveys a sense of urgency, excitement, or determination. When someone says to "gun it," they are instructing the driver to press the accelerator pedal fully, causing the vehicle to accelerate quickly and reach its maximum speed promptly.
The term "gun" in this context originated from the idea of pressing a gun's trigger, which causes a sudden release of energy and propels a bullet at high velocity. Similarly, when someone urges another person to "gun it," they are metaphorically asking them to unleash the full power of the vehicle's engine, resulting in rapid acceleration.
"Gunning it" often implies a desire to go as fast as possible or to reach a destination swiftly. It can be heard in situations where quick action is necessary, such as overtaking another vehicle on a highway or trying to catch up to someone. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using this expression, as speeding and reckless driving can be dangerous and against traffic laws.
In summary, "gun it" is a colloquial phrase that urges someone to accelerate rapidly, typically while driving a vehicle, by equating the action to squeezing a gun's trigger.
The phrase "gun it" originates from late 19th-century American English. It is thought to originate from the noun "gun", which refers to a firearm. The verb "gun" means to operate a gun or fire a projectile from a gun. Over time, "gun it" evolved to mean accelerating or driving at high speed, possibly drawing a parallel between the power and speed associated with firing a gun and the act of accelerating a vehicle.
