push under
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To push something so it goes below the surface of water, or to make someone fail.
Literal meaning: To push something downward so it goes below a surface.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To force a person or object below the surface of water.
"He playfully pushed his friend under the water during their swim in the lake."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To overwhelm or cause the failure of a person or business through financial or competitive pressure.
"Rising costs and falling sales finally pushed the small retailer under."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Literal use refers to submerging something in water. Figurative use describes overwhelming or defeating someone or a business through pressure. Less common than related expressions.
Commonly used with
water surface waves debt pressure competition
Forms
Base
push under
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes under
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed under
yesterday
Past participle
pushed under
have + pp
-ing form
pushing under
continuous
Understand "push under" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "push under" on Looplines