push the engine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "push the engine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are instructing someone to apply force to an engine, either literally or metaphorically, to get it to function or move. Example: "To start the old car, you may need to push the engine a bit to get it going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Likewise, it simply disregards commands that would push the engine past the redline.

The New York Times

How much of a margin do they have whereby if someone edged a little closer, they have space to push the engine a bit harder?

BBC

Fail to shut all the systems down on the A8, and the car beeps at you and a screen on the dash will tell you to push the "engine off" button again to secure the car.

Forbes

You can get the XR to slot nicely through turns, and the all-wheel drive never upsets the handling, but you really only feel this suspension get a workout if you push the engine.

Forbes

You start pedaling and when you need a little help, you push the engine button on the handlebars and it just feels like the wind is at your back.

Forbes

Reports indicate that the need to push the engine hard to extract performance led to real-world fuel consumption similar to the straight-sixes.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

On a notepad he scribbles, Keep her nearer 120 than 140, and, as soon as he shoves the note across the tiny cockpit, Alcock adjusts the controls ever so slightly, trims the plane, keeps it at three-quarter throttle, keen not to push the engines too hard.

The New Yorker

"Scandal" has demonstrated that Rhimes doesn't make, or take, things easy: she's pushing the engine of that show so hard that the roller-coaster might fly off the rails, but it also might defy expectations and take flight.

The New Yorker

When pushed, the engine's song develops into something not quite sonorous, but definitely exciting.

BBC

We are really pushing the engine for this, with loads of textures".

Wikipedia

This year, at long last, Porsche's Boxster and Cayman hit the mark, with new models that push the mid-engine sports cars' already heralded athleticism to new levels – right in to 911 Carrera territory, in fact.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push the engine" when you want to convey the idea of maximizing the performance or capability of an engine, whether literal or metaphorical. Be mindful of the context to ensure the imagery is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "push the engine" too frequently in highly technical documents where more precise terms might be preferable. While understandable, it can sometimes lack the specificity required for engineering or scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the engine" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of exerting effort or force to increase an engine's performance or output. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push the engine" is a verb phrase meaning to maximize the performance or output of an engine, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI categorizes its grammatical status as correct. While examples are rare, it appears in news media, wikis, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. The phrase can effectively communicate the idea of maximizing capabilities, but be cautious of overuse in highly technical writing. Alternatives include "strain the engine" or "drive the engine hard" depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive the engine hard

Adds the adverb "hard" to describe the intensity of driving or using the engine.

strain the engine

Replaces "push" with "strain", suggesting a more forceful or potentially damaging exertion of effort.

stress the engine

Emphasizes the application of pressure or stress on the engine.

overload the engine

Suggests exceeding the engine's capacity or designed limits.

force the engine

Emphasizes the act of compelling the engine to perform.

tax the engine

Indicates that the engine is being used at or near its maximum capacity.

boost the engine

Suggests improving or enhancing the engine's performance.

accelerate the engine

Focuses on increasing the speed or output of the engine.

extend the engine

Focuses on prolonging or maximizing the engine's use.

maximize engine output

Shift the phrase from 'push' to 'maximize', focusing on obtaining the greatest possible output from the engine.

FAQs

How can I use "push the engine" in a sentence?

You can use "push the engine" to describe maximizing performance, as in, "The developers are really "pushing the engine" for this game, utilizing loads of textures".

What does it mean to "push the engine" in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "push the engine" can mean to maximize effort or resources in a project or endeavor, similar to optimizing a physical engine's performance. For example: "Scandal" has demonstrated that Rhimes doesn't make, or take, things easy: she's "pushing the engine" of that show so hard that the roller-coaster might fly off the rails, but it also might defy expectations and take flight.

Which is correct, "push the engine" or "start the engine"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "Start the engine" refers to initiating its operation, while "push the engine" suggests maximizing its output or performance, or exerting extra effort to make progress.

What's the difference between "push the engine" and "put pressure on the engine"?

"Push the engine" implies maximizing performance, while "put pressure on the engine" suggests applying stress or force, potentially beyond safe limits. The former is generally positive, while the latter can indicate risk of damage or failure.