push around(redirected from push someone around)
To harass, bully, or threaten; to give orders in a domineering or forceful manner. A noun or pronoun can be used between "push" and "around." Bigger kids tend to push around smaller ones—that's just usually how it goes. Don't let Tom push you around like that—stand up for yourself, or report him to HR if you need to.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
push someone around
Fig. to harass someone physically; to jostle someone. (See also push someone or something about.) I wish you would stop pushing me around all the time. Stop pushing Max around if you know what's good for you.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Treat or threaten to treat roughly, bully, domineer, as in I won't let him push me around. [Colloquial; c. 1920]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
To give someone orders in a forceful or unpleasant way; bully someone: The seniors and juniors pushed around the younger students. You shouldn't let your boss push you around like that!
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.