The phrasal verb "push through" is more commonly used in informal contexts, albeit it can also appear in formal settings, particularly when discussing business or legislative processes. It generally means to persevere with effort to successfully finish a task or project despite difficulties, or to expedite something. In a business context, it might be used to describe the act of advancing a proposal or plan through various stages, often overcoming obstacles or resistance—e.g., "They pushed the new policy through despite opposition." In legislative or bureaucratic scenarios, it often implies moving legislation forward to approval—e.g., "The bill was pushed through Congress." The phrase is dynamic and implies persistence and urgency, often in the face of challenges, making it versatile in describing scenarios where determination is a key factor.
B1
Intermediate
1. To make something happen by putting in effort, particularly when it is difficult.
The government plans to push through the new tax reform despite opposition.
Despite the challenges, we managed to push through the project by the deadline.
2. To physically move through a crowd or obstacles by exerting force.
She had to push through the crowded subway station to catch her train.
Determined to see the parade, they pushed through the throng of people.