goad (someone or something) on

goad (someone or something) on

1. To physically encourage someone or something to continue moving, as by physical prodding. I had to goad the dogs on when they tried to lie down at the end of our street. I'm an inexperienced rider—how do I goad my horse on? Let the collie goad the sheep on.

2. To taunt, tease, or otherwise coerce someone into proceeding. My friends tried to goad me on, but I knew I'd had enough to drink for the night. The freshmen definitely want to fit in, so if we goad them on, I bet we can get them to do these stupid pranks. Would you stop goading your brother on? He's already getting upset.

3. To coax or encourage someone into proceeding. The audience started clapping, in an attempt to goad the frightened kids on. Mrs. Smith, he's absolutely terrified to speak in front of the class. I don't know how we'll goad him on. Don't worry, Sharon will be at Thanksgiving—I'll have Mom goad her on.

See also: goad, on

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

goad someone on

to urge someone onward, possibly with jeers or challenges; to urge someone to continue. (Usually in this order.) The cheering crowd goaded the team on to victory. I goaded Jed on to taking the risk.

See also: goad, on

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

goad on

v.

1. To make someone or something move by prodding or poking: The farmer goaded the cattle on.

2. To urge someone to continue something through prodding or threat of embarrassment: I didn't want to sing any more, but the crowd goaded me on.

See also: goad, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.