die Pistole
pistol
A small firearm that can be held and operated with one hand.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist zog seine Pistole und forderte den Täter auf, stehen zu bleiben.
The police officer drew his pistol and ordered the offender to stop.
die Pistole
pistol / gun
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Meanings
die Pistole
gun
A tool or device that resembles a handgun in shape and is used to dispense a substance, such as glue or gasoline, in a targeted way.
EXAMPLE
An der Tankstelle nahm er die Zapfpistole und begann zu tanken.
At the gas station, he took the pump nozzle and began filling up.
jemandem die Pistole auf die Brust setzen
to put pressure on someone
An idiom meaning to put someone under strong pressure or force them to make a quick decision, often through an ultimatum.
EXAMPLE
Mit der Forderung 'Entweder du unterschreibst sofort oder das Angebot ist weg' hat er mir wirklich die Pistole auf die Brust gesetzt.
With the demand, 'Either you sign immediately or the offer is gone,' he really put pressure on me.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem die Pistole auf die Brust setzen' (to put pressure on someone) has a fixed structure. The person who is put under pressure is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Mein Chef hat mir mit dem neuen Projekt wirklich die Pistole auf die Brust gesetzt.
My boss really put pressure on me with the new project.
Use as a tool
When 'Pistole' (gun) refers to a tool, it is almost always part of a compound word. The first word describes what the tool is used for.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reparatur brauchst du eine Heißklebepistole.
You need a hot glue gun for the repair.
Typical collocations
When referring to the firearm, 'Pistole' (pistol) is often used with verbs such as 'ziehen' (to draw), 'laden' (to load), 'sichern' (to put on safety/secure), or 'auf jemanden richten' (to point at someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Bankräuber richtete seine Pistole auf den Kassierer.
The bank robber pointed his pistol at the cashier.
In real life
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