Under pressure
Example: She works well under pressure during exams.
Definition
"Under pressure" describes a state of experiencing stress or urgency, typically because of demanding circumstances or expectations. For example, someone working well "under pressure" maintains focus and effectiveness despite stressful conditions, such as during exams or tight deadlines.
Etymology
The phrase "under pressure" originates from the literal sense of being physically pressed or squeezed, evolving metaphorically to describe psychological or emotional stress. It combines 'under,' meaning beneath or subjected to, with 'pressure,' derived from Latin 'pressura,' meaning to press. Did you know? The use of 'pressure' in a figurative sense dates back to the 17th century, capturing the feeling of mental strain.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Under pressure" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (B2) - set 1", containing 103 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select as the language you want to learn.
Create a free account
