push to
1. To shove, thrust, or forcibly move someone or something to a particular position. A noun or pronoun is used between "push" and "to." Tom pushed me to the side so the bicycle wouldn't hit me. Push this old sofa to the curb so the garbage truck will collect it tomorrow.
2. To shove, thrust, or press something shut. A noun or pronoun is used between "push" and "to." Push that door to—you're letting in a draft! Please push the latch to once you're done working on the control panel.
3. To compel, motivate, or force someone to take a particular action. The bullying at school pushed Tom to take up martial arts for self-defense. I grew up in abject poverty as a kid—it's what pushes me to have a successful career. The corporate lobbyists pushed the senators to vote against the proposed regulations.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
push someone or something to someone or something
to propel someone or something to or as far as someone or something. Max pushed Lefty to the window and made him look out. I pushed the chair to the window.
push someone to something
to try to drive or force a person to do something. After the bankruptcy the board pushed the president to resign. We pushed her to reconsider, but her mind was made up.
push something to
to close or nearly close something, such as a door. The door is open a little. Please push it to. Todd came in and pushed the door to.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.