Browse all

plow ahead

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

American English: to continue doing something with determination despite difficulties or obstacles.

In plain English

To keep going forward with something even when it's hard or there are problems in the way.

What does "plow ahead" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

(US) To continue with a plan or course of action with determination, despite opposition or difficulty.

"The company decided to plow ahead with the merger despite regulatory concerns."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

For a plow to drive forward through the ground.

Actually means

To keep going forward with something even when it's hard or there are problems in the way.

Usage tip

American English spelling of 'plough ahead.' Common in US news, business, and political contexts. Often used with 'with': 'plow ahead with the plan.' The image is of a plow pushing through thick soil.

Words that pair with "plow ahead"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

plans project agenda reform despite regardless

How to conjugate "plow ahead"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
plow ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plows ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
plowed ahead
yesterday
Past participle
plowed ahead
have + pp
-ing form
plowing ahead
continuous

Hear "plow ahead" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "plow ahead" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.