Dearest reader,
English is resplendent with phrasal verbs and colloquial expressions. The more of these one knows, the more one can recognise and employ them in daily use.
Here is a selection—by no means the entirety—of expressions and phrasal verbs using “push”.
Should you feel emboldened enough to try your hand at using them with aplomb, there is a little test for you at the end.
Very best,
Thomas
Push the Boat Out
Meaning: To spend a lot of money to celebrate something.
Example Sentence: For their wedding anniversary, they really pushed the boat out and threw a huge party.
Push the Envelope
Meaning: To go beyond the usual limits; to innovate.
Example Sentence: The company is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to technology.
When Push Comes to Shove
Meaning: When a situation becomes critical and action must be taken.
Example Sentence: He can be quite lazy, but when push comes to shove, he always gets the job done.
Push In
Meaning: To move in front of someone unfairly.
Example Sentence: It's so rude when people push in instead of waiting their turn.
Pushover (as a noun)
Meaning: Someone who is easy to persuade or influence.
Example Sentence: Don't be a pushover; stand up for yourself.
Push Aside
Meaning: To ignore or disregard something.
Example Sentence: He decided to push aside his doubts and go ahead with the plan.
Push Back
Meaning: To reschedule something for a later time/date.
Example Sentence: Due to the CEO's travel plans, we need to push back the meeting to next Tuesday.
Push Your Luck
Meaning: To take a risk on the assumption that one will continue to be successful or fortunate.
Example Sentence: You've won twice already; don't push your luck by betting again.
Let's Review!
Fill in the blanks with the correct expression:
- He chose to ________ the criticism and keep working on his project.
- When ________, he knows how to manage even the most difficult situations.
- For their annual charity event, they really decided to ________ and organise an elaborate gala.
- The concert date has been ________ from May to June.
- It's incredibly frustrating when people ________ at the bus stop instead of queuing properly.
- After getting a discount on the first item, he decided to ________ and ask for a discount on the second item as well.
- She's a tough negotiator and definitely not a ________.
- The innovative startup is always trying to ________ with their new products.
The answers are further below.
Answers
- push aside
- push comes to shove
- push the boat out
- pushed back
- push in
- push [his] luck
- pushover
- push the envelope
