push through
Force through a process
Literalmente: to apply force against something to move from one side to the other
En 15 segundos
- To continue an effort despite exhaustion or difficulty.
- To force a decision or law through a difficult process.
- To physically move through a dense or crowded area.
Significado
It means to keep going when things get really hard, or to force a plan through a difficult system. Think of it as using your mental or physical energy to break through a wall of resistance.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6At the gym with a trainer
I know your muscles ache, but you have to push through the last five reps!
I know your muscles ache, but you have to push through the last five reps!
In a high-stakes business meeting
We need to push this contract through before the end of the quarter.
We need to push this contract through before the end of the quarter.
Texting a friend who is tired of studying
Only two more chapters left! Push through and then we can get pizza.
Only two more chapters left! Push through and then we can get pizza.
Contexto cultural
This expression is deeply tied to the 'Protestant work ethic' and modern fitness culture. It rose to prominence in the 1980s corporate world as a way to describe overcoming bureaucratic red tape. Today, it is a staple of motivational speaking and 'grind' culture on social media.
The 'It' Factor
If you are talking about a project, you can put 'it' in the middle: 'Push it through.' It sounds very natural and proactive.
Don't be insensitive
Avoid using this if someone is talking about deep grief or trauma; it can sound like you are telling them to hurry up and be happy.
En 15 segundos
- To continue an effort despite exhaustion or difficulty.
- To force a decision or law through a difficult process.
- To physically move through a dense or crowded area.
What It Means
Push through is about grit and persistence. It is that moment when you are exhausted but keep running. It is also when a manager forces a budget through a difficult committee. You are moving forward despite the friction. It feels like swimming against a strong current and winning.
How To Use It
You can use it for physical effort or mental stress. Use it when you talk about tasks, emotions, or even crowds. You can push through a crowd at a concert. You can push through a long workday. It usually takes an object, like push through the pain. Sometimes, it stands alone to mean 'don't give up.'
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound determined. It is perfect for the gym when your legs feel like jelly. It works well in business when a project hits a snag. If you are texting a friend who is tired of studying, this is your phrase. It sounds supportive and strong. It is the verbal version of a double espresso.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if something is easy. If you are just walking down an empty street, you aren't pushing through. Also, be careful in sensitive emotional moments. If someone is grieving, telling them to push through might sound a bit cold. It implies 'get over it' which isn't always helpful. Use it for challenges, not tragedies.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the Western 'hustle culture' and the 'no pain, no gain' mentality. It became very popular in sports and corporate environments in the late 20th century. It suggests that success is a result of sheer willpower. In the UK and US, it is often linked to the idea of 'stiff upper lip' or staying tough.
Common Variations
You might hear push it through when talking about a law or a deal. There is also plow through, which is even more aggressive. If you are just surviving, you might say you are muddling through. But push through remains the king of persistence. It sounds more intentional than just surviving.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral but leans slightly towards 'action-oriented' language. In a professional context, it suggests you are a 'go-getter' who gets things done despite obstacles.
The 'It' Factor
If you are talking about a project, you can put 'it' in the middle: 'Push it through.' It sounds very natural and proactive.
Don't be insensitive
Avoid using this if someone is talking about deep grief or trauma; it can sound like you are telling them to hurry up and be happy.
The Marathon Connection
In the US, this phrase is almost synonymous with marathon running. If you use it, people will often think of physical endurance first.
Ejemplos
6I know your muscles ache, but you have to push through the last five reps!
I know your muscles ache, but you have to push through the last five reps!
Used here to encourage physical endurance.
We need to push this contract through before the end of the quarter.
We need to push this contract through before the end of the quarter.
Refers to forcing a process to finish quickly.
Only two more chapters left! Push through and then we can get pizza.
Only two more chapters left! Push through and then we can get pizza.
A friendly way to offer motivation.
I had to push through a sea of tourists to get to the platform.
I had to push through a sea of tourists to get to the platform.
Literal physical movement through a crowd.
I was so full, but I managed to push through and finish the dessert.
I was so full, but I managed to push through and finish the dessert.
Using a serious phrase for a silly, relatable struggle.
It has been a tough month, but I am trying to push through the brain fog.
It has been a tough month, but I am trying to push through the brain fog.
Describes mental effort to stay productive.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a marathon runner.
When you hit 'the wall' at mile 20, you just have to ___ through.
`Push through` is the standard collocation for enduring physical hardship.
Complete the sentence regarding a new office policy.
The manager is trying to push the new rules ___ despite the staff's complaints.
To `push something through` means to ensure it is accepted or completed despite opposition.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Push Through'
Telling a friend to finish their workout.
Push through, dude!
Describing a difficult workday.
Discussing legislation or corporate deals.
The bill was pushed through the Senate.
Where to use 'Push Through'
The Gym
Push through the pain!
The Office
Push the deal through.
Crowded Places
Push through the commuters.
Studying
Push through the last chapter.
Banco de ejercicios
2 ejerciciosWhen you hit 'the wall' at mile 20, you just have to ___ through.
`Push through` is the standard collocation for enduring physical hardship.
The manager is trying to push the new rules ___ despite the staff's complaints.
To `push something through` means to ensure it is accepted or completed despite opposition.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means to keep going when things are difficult or when you are tired. For example, I had to push through my headache to finish the report.
Yes, you can physically push through a door or a crowd. It means moving through something that is blocking your way.
Yes, it is very common. You might say, We are trying to push the approval through by Friday.
Carry on just means to continue. Push through implies there is a specific difficulty or resistance you are fighting against.
No, it is a standard phrasal verb. It is neutral and safe to use in almost any setting.
Absolutely. This is one of the most common literal uses of the phrase.
Not usually, but it can sound aggressive if you are pushing through a law that people don't want.
The past tense is pushed through. For example, He pushed through the fatigue and won the race.
Yes, you can push through fear or push through sadness to get a job done.
Using 'push across' instead. 'Push across' usually means moving something over a surface, while push through means going from one side of a challenge to the other.
Frases relacionadas
Power through
To complete a task with great energy despite being tired.
Plow through
To move through something or finish something very quickly and forcefully.
Stick it out
To stay with a difficult task until the very end.
Bite the bullet
To accept something difficult or unpleasant.
