1 B2 neutral
To knock something or someone down by moving into or over it with great force
"The runaway tractor plowed over the wooden fence at the edge of the field."
separable
plow over
B2 neutral separable transitive
To knock something down or flatten it by moving through it with great force
In plain English
To knock something over by hitting it hard while moving, like a big machine would
What does "plow over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To overwhelm or defeat opposition without difficulty or consideration
"The dominant team plowed over every rival in the tournament without losing a single game."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To drive a plow over something, flattening it into the ground
Actually means
To knock something over by hitting it hard while moving, like a big machine would
Usage tip
Often used in descriptions of vehicles, bulldozers, or powerful forces destroying obstacles. Can be used figuratively for when a person or organization crushes opposition without care. More common in American English.
Words that pair with "plow over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fence barrier crops competition opponent obstacle
How to conjugate "plow over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plow over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plows over
he/she/it
Past simple
plowed over
yesterday
Past participle
plowed over
have + pp
-ing form
plowing over
continuous
Hear "plow over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "plow over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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