push him over

USAGE SUMMARY

"push him over" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You would use it when referring to someone literally pushing someone else over, or figuratively pushing them over a certain line or boundary. Example: "When she heard how he had lied to her, she felt like pushing him over in a fit of rage."

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"A move could push him over the edge.

The Guardian

"I don't know if something just happened to push him over the edge last night.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's hope he doesn't bump into Russell, who might just push him over the edge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The state, with its 21 electoral votes, would push him over the 270 college votes needed to win.

The Guardian

So if there's any trouble at sea, Jerry, you just push him over the side and hold his head down.

The Guardian

He could not pick up the pace, however, with no one to push him over the final laps.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A police officer walked across and pushed him over; there was no reason to do it.

The Guardian

They'd already pushed him over," he said, adding he was particularly wary of the officer who struck him.

The Guardian

61 min: Hamsik is making Pirlo's life a misery, nicking the ball off his toe at regular intervals, and occasionally pushing him over, simply to annoy.

The Guardian - Sport

He was stopped just short but the weight of the support behind pushed him over, Foley ruled, after watching the big-screen replays.

The Guardian - Sport

Trey tries to attack Kirsty, but Miles pushes him over, Miles is then under investigation for assault, later Trey drops the charges.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push him over" figuratively, ensure the context clearly indicates the metaphorical meaning to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "push him over" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "influence him decisively" or "compel him to act" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push him over" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig examples illustrate both literal and figurative usages. It can describe a physical action or a metaphorical tipping point, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Reference

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push him over" is a phrasal verb with both literal and figurative meanings, generally acceptable in neutral to informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and Ludwig examples show its use across various sources, especially news and media. When writing, be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretation, and opt for more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase can describe physical action, exceeding limits, or decisive influence, as examples from The Guardian, The New York Times, and others demonstrate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topple him

Implies causing someone to lose balance and fall, similar to a literal push.

knock him down

Indicates causing someone to fall, often with force or impact.

shove him

Suggests a forceful push, emphasizing the act of physically moving someone.

tip him over

Implies causing someone to lose balance to the point of falling, often unexpectedly.

drive him to the edge

Figuratively, means causing someone to reach a breaking point.

force him beyond the limit

Implies pressuring someone to exceed their capabilities or tolerance.

coerce him into compliance

Suggests using pressure to make someone obey.

overwhelm him

Indicates overpowering someone with force or pressure.

propel him forward

Implies giving someone the final boost needed to succeed or advance.

influence him decisively

Suggests swaying someone's opinion or decision significantly.

FAQs

How can I use "push him over" in a sentence?

You can use "push him over" to describe physically causing someone to fall, as in "The bully tried to push him over". Figuratively, it can mean causing someone to reach a breaking point, like "The constant stress threatened to push him over the edge".

What does it mean to "push someone over the edge"?

To "push someone over the edge" means to cause them to reach a point of mental or emotional breakdown due to stress, pressure, or other negative influences. It implies exceeding their capacity to cope.

What are some alternative phrases for "push him over"?

Alternatives include "topple him", "knock him down", "drive him to the edge", or "force him beyond the limit" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "push him over" in formal writing?

While understandable, "push him over" may be too informal for certain formal writing contexts. Consider using more professional or precise language such as "influence him decisively" or "compel him to act".