The phrase "holding a gun to one's head" is often used to describe a situation in which someone is making an extreme threat or exerting emotional pressure on another person. Some synonyms for this phrase include "putting pressure," "making demands," or "forcing compliance." Other related terms might include "intimidation," "coercion," or "threatening behavior." Depending on the context, these phrases could be used to describe everything from workplace bullying to domestic violence situations. Ultimately, any situation in which one person is using force or intimidation to control another can be described using these or other related synonyms.