drive at

B2 neutral inseparable transitive

In simple words

What are you really trying to say? What is the point you are heading toward?

Literal meaning: To steer a vehicle in the direction of something.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

To try to say or suggest something, especially in an indirect way; to be working toward a particular conclusion in what you are saying.

"I'm not sure I follow — what exactly are you driving at?"

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Almost always used in questions: 'What are you driving at?' Signals that the listener does not yet understand the speaker's true intention or point. Common in British and American English.

Commonly used with

point conclusion something idea suggestion

Forms

Base

drive at

I/you/we/they

3rd person

drives at

he/she/it

Past simple

drove at

yesterday

Past participle

driven at

have + pp

-ing form

driving at

continuous

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Synonyms

imply suggest get at mean intend be heading toward

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