drive (one) back on (something)

drive (one) back on (something)

To force one to use some resource, especially one that had been held in reserve. It was a tough time financially, as losing my job drove me back on my savings. Well, when the apocalypse drives me back on my stockpile of canned goods, who will be laughing then? Not me! So the economic downturn drove you back on family money? Wow, what a hardship.

See also: back, drive, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

drive someone back on something

to force someone to tap reserves of something. The hard times drove them back on their life savings. The challenges of being a corporate executive drove her back on all her personal resources.

See also: back, drive, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.