push up against
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To push something until it touches something else, or to reach the edge of what is allowed or possible.
Literal meaning: To push something upward or forward until it makes contact with a surface.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To physically move something until it is in contact with a surface.
"They pushed the sofa up against the wall to make room for the dance floor."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To reach or approach the edge of a limit, boundary, or constraint.
"Our project timeline is pushing up against the product launch date, so we need to work faster."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used both literally (physical contact) and figuratively (encountering limits, deadlines, or boundaries). Figurative use is common in professional and academic contexts.
Commonly used with
wall limit boundary deadline constraint fence
Forms
Base
push up against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes up against
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed up against
yesterday
Past participle
pushed up against
have + pp
-ing form
pushing up against
continuous
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