push around
Bully or intimidate
Literally: to move someone by force in various directions
In 15 Seconds
- To bully or dominate someone bossily.
- Used when someone treats you like a servant.
- Commonly used to set boundaries and stand up for yourself.
Meaning
To treat someone badly by telling them what to do in a rude or bossy way. It is when someone uses their power to control you like you are a toy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Standing up to a boss
I quit because I'm tired of him pushing me around every day.
I quit because I'm tired of him bullying me every day.
Talking about a sibling
Stop pushing your little brother around and let him play.
Stop bossing your little brother around and let him play.
In a professional meeting
We can't let the bigger companies push us around in this negotiation.
We can't let the bigger companies dominate us in this negotiation.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the high value placed on personal autonomy in English-speaking cultures. It became widely used in the mid-20th century to describe workplace and schoolyard bullying. It highlights the cultural disdain for 'bossiness' and the celebration of standing up for oneself.
The 'Pushover' Connection
If you allow people to push you around, you are called a `pushover`. It's a noun you can use to describe someone who is too nice or weak to say no.
Don't use it for help
If someone is physically helping you move a heavy object, never say 'Stop pushing me around!' They will think you are angry at them.
In 15 Seconds
- To bully or dominate someone bossily.
- Used when someone treats you like a servant.
- Commonly used to set boundaries and stand up for yourself.
What It Means
Push around is about power dynamics. It describes someone being a bully. They treat you like you have no choice. It is not about physical pushing. It is about emotional or social pressure. Imagine someone constantly barking orders at you. That person is pushing you around.
How To Use It
You usually use it with a person as the object. You can say don't push me around or he pushes his staff around. It often appears in the negative. People use it to stand up for themselves. It sounds strong and assertive. It shows you are tired of being mistreated.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is being too bossy. It fits perfectly in a workplace with a mean manager. You can use it with friends who always pick the restaurant. It works when discussing a sibling who takes your things. Use it when you feel like a victim of someone's ego. It is great for venting to a spouse after a long day.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical exercise. If a coach tells you to move a heavy sled, that is just pushing. Do not use it for polite requests. If your boss asks for a report nicely, they are not pushing you around. It is too aggressive for formal customer service. Avoid it in a first date unless they are truly being a jerk.
Cultural Background
Western culture highly values individual independence. Being pushed around is seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of boundaries. Movies often show the 'underdog' who finally stops being pushed around. It is a classic trope in Hollywood. It represents the moment someone finds their courage. It is deeply tied to the 'self-made' American spirit.
Common Variations
You might hear boss around which is very similar. Bully is a more serious version. Walk all over someone is a common idiom with the same meaning. If you are the one being pushed, you are a pushover. Nobody wants to be called a pushover at a party. It means you have no backbone!
Usage Notes
This is an informal phrasal verb best used in casual conversation or when expressing frustration. It is separable, meaning you can put the person being bullied in the middle: `push him around`.
The 'Pushover' Connection
If you allow people to push you around, you are called a `pushover`. It's a noun you can use to describe someone who is too nice or weak to say no.
Don't use it for help
If someone is physically helping you move a heavy object, never say 'Stop pushing me around!' They will think you are angry at them.
The 'Underdog' Spirit
Americans love a story where the hero stops being pushed around. Mentioning this phrase in a story immediately makes people sympathize with you.
Examples
6I quit because I'm tired of him pushing me around every day.
I quit because I'm tired of him bullying me every day.
Shows a final decision based on poor treatment.
Stop pushing your little brother around and let him play.
Stop bossing your little brother around and let him play.
A common parental command to stop a bully.
We can't let the bigger companies push us around in this negotiation.
We can't let the bigger companies dominate us in this negotiation.
Used metaphorically for business competition.
He was so bossy! I'm not going to let some guy push me around like that.
He was so bossy! I'm not going to let some guy treat me like that.
Expressing a lack of interest in a controlling person.
My cat definitely pushes me around; I'm basically his butler.
My cat definitely bosses me around; I'm basically his butler.
Using the phrase jokingly about a pet.
Hey, don't push her around! She didn't do anything to you.
Hey, don't bully her! She didn't do anything to you.
A direct confrontation to protect someone.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
You need to stand up for yourself and not let them ___ you around.
The full phrasal verb is `push around` to mean bullying or bossing.
Identify the meaning of the phrase in this context.
The manager is always pushing the staff around. This means he is ___.
In a workplace context, it refers to an unfair use of authority.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Push Around'
Slang terms like 'dissing' or 'punking'.
He's punking you.
Standard conversational use with friends/family.
Don't push me around.
Used in news or general descriptions.
The citizens felt pushed around by the law.
Professional terms for the same behavior.
The supervisor is exhibiting coercive behavior.
Where to use 'Push Around'
At School
Older kids bullying younger ones.
At Work
A manager giving unfair orders.
In Relationships
A controlling partner making all decisions.
In Politics
Large countries ignoring small ones.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesYou need to stand up for yourself and not let them ___ you around.
The full phrasal verb is `push around` to mean bullying or bossing.
The manager is always pushing the staff around. This means he is ___.
In a workplace context, it refers to an unfair use of authority.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is almost always used metaphorically. It refers to someone using their status or personality to control you, like saying my boss pushes me around.
It is a bit informal for a serious HR email. Instead of he pushes me around, you might use he behaves in a domineering manner.
They are very similar, but push around feels a bit more aggressive or mean. Boss around just means giving too many orders.
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say push around the staff or push the staff around.
Yes, in business, a large corporation might push around a small supplier by demanding lower prices.
The opposite is standing your ground or standing up for yourself. It means refusing to be controlled.
You can say, Stop pushing me around! or I won't let you push me around anymore.
Yes, it is common in all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English.
Literally, yes, like pushing a chair around the room, but the idiomatic meaning only applies to people or groups.
It is an accusatory phrase. If you tell someone they are pushing you around, you are confronting them, which can be tense.
Related Phrases
boss around
To tell someone what to do constantly.
walk all over
To treat someone very badly without them resisting.
lord it over
To act superior and control others.
bully
To use strength or influence to harm or intimidate.
