push around
The phrase "push around" can describe both literal and figurative actions involving force, control, or manipulation.
Definition
B2Social Interaction
(informal, figurative)To treat someone in a domineering or bullying manner.
Example
- His boss constantly tries to push him around, making him do extra work.
B2Social Interaction
(informal, figurative)To coerce or manipulate someone to achieve a desired outcome.
Example
- She felt like her friends were pushing her around to get her to join the club.
B1Physical Action
(informal)To move or shove something or someone in a rough manner.
Example
- The kids were pushing each other around on the playground.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "push around":
push overpush alongpush and shovepush onpush inpush pastpush forwardpush awaypush throughpush backpush outpush offpush up againstshove onshove downshove overpush the limitpull inpush uppull timebang aroundmove aroundpush buntpoke outshove offpush timebutt upmove itpull backpull awaypress outpull up onpull downpull throughplay arounddrag downpull outkick aroundpush pollpull overdrag intoss around