1 A2 neutral
To cause a person or object to fall by pushing it.
"The older kids pushed over the younger boy and ran away laughing."
separable
push over
A2 neutral separable transitive
To cause someone or something to fall by pushing it, or to describe something very easy to do.
In plain English
To push something so hard it falls down, or to say something is really easy.
What does "push over" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
(as 'a pushover') A person who is easily defeated, manipulated, or persuaded.
"Don't ask her to say no to them — she's a total pushover and will agree to anything."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
(as 'a pushover') Something that is very easy to do or achieve.
"I was nervous about the exam, but it was a complete pushover — I finished in twenty minutes."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push something so that it topples over.
Actually means
To push something so hard it falls down, or to say something is really easy.
Usage tip
As a compound noun, 'a pushover' means a person who is easily defeated or manipulated, or a task that is very easy. This noun form is extremely common.
Words that pair with "push over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fence chair domino person task game
How to conjugate "push over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
push over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes over
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed over
yesterday
Past participle
pushed over
have + pp
-ing form
pushing over
continuous
Hear "push over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "push over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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