press on
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press (something) (up)on (one)
To urge or try to persuade someone to take or accept something. Despite our protests, my parents pressed the money on us to help pay for the wedding. He pressed the documents on the reporter, insisting that it would be a huge story.
See also: press
press on
1. To apply physical force or pressure on someone or something, typically with one's fingers. Next, press on the big red button—that should reset it. What about here? Does it hurt when I press on it? This part is out of place, which is making this piece press on the fan.
2. To push or lean against someone or something. It's stuck—something is pressing on the door! It was awful having so many people press on me in the crowded train.
3. To cause something to stick onto some surface by applying pressure down on it. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "press" and "on." He pressed the temporary tattoo on his arm. Make sure you press on the sticker for at least fifteen seconds, or it won't stay in place.
4. To continue or try to do something with determination, especially when facing hardships or setbacks. It was discouraging to learn that our budget had been cut, but we pressed on in the hopes of recovering our investment costs. We have to press on. We've come too far to turn back now!
5. To challenge someone insistently on some point or argument. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "press" and "on." The detective pressed the suspect on his alibi. The prosecutor kept pressing the witness on her statement.
6. To insist that someone accept something, especially a gift. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "press" and "on." My mother always presses all sorts of unnecessary gifts on the kids whenever we come to visit.
press (up)on someone or something
to put pressure on someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The crowd pressed upon the child, squeezing out all his breath. The load presses on your car's springs very heavily.
press something (up)on someone
to urge or force something on someone; to try to get someone to accept something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) He always presses second helpings upon his guests. She pressed a gift on us that we could not refuse.
press on something
to push or depress something, such as a button, catch, snap, etc. Press on this button if you require room service. Don't press on this because it rings a loud bell.
press on(ward)
to continue; to continue to try. Don't give up! Press onward! I have lots to do. I must press on.
press on
v.
1. To apply direct pressure to something: I pressed on the edge of the table, and it tipped over.
2. To continue doing something with determination and despite setbacks: Despite their exhaustion, the climbers pressed on toward the summit.