There are various ways to express the phrase "hold gun to one's head" without using those exact words. Some alternatives could be "threaten with imminent harm," "intimidate with deadly force," "coerce with a weapon," or "menace with a firearm." These phrases convey the same sense of danger and fear that comes with having a gun pointed at one's head, while avoiding the explicit use of such a violent act. Using alternative expressions can help tone down the severity of the situation while still conveying the severity of the action. It's important to choose your words carefully when discussing sensitive subjects such as violence and coercion.