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drum into

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To make someone learn something by saying it over and over again until they can't forget it.

Literal meaning: To beat (drum) something physically into a container or space — the image of a drumbeat repeating until it penetrates.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To teach someone something by repeating it so often that they cannot forget it, often through insistence or pressure.

"My father drummed good manners into us from a very early age."

"Respect for elders was drummed into us as children."

— Common formulation widely attributed in memoirs and interviews; representative of idiomatic usage.
Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To force an idea or belief into someone's mind through persistent, often unwelcome repetition.

"The coach drummed the importance of teamwork into his players all season long."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Usually used in passive or past tense constructions ('it was drummed into me'). Often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the learning was imposed rather than freely chosen. Common in British and American English alike.

Commonly used with

lesson values manners message idea importance

Forms

Base
drum into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drums into
he/she/it
Past simple
drumed into
yesterday
Past participle
drumed into
have + pp
-ing form
druming into
continuous

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