drive a coach and horses through
To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“His new policy drives a coach and horses through our original plan.”
“The lawyer argued that the new evidence drives a coach and horses through the prosecution's entire case.”
“By ignoring the safety regulations, the company effectively drove a coach and horses through the agreement they signed with the local community.”
- 01
beat a dead horse
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
- 02
change horses in midstream
To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.
- 03
charley horse
A muscle cramp, usually a strong one, in the thigh, leg, arm, or core.
- 04
close the stable door after the horse has bolted
To attempt to prevent a problem that has already occurred; to design and implement a preventive mechanism that is too late (after the first failure instead of before).
- 05
dark horse
Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.
- 06
drive a hard bargain
To negotiate forcefully.
- 07
drive a stake through its heart
get rid of, destroy permanently or stop talking about
- 08
drive a wedge
To separate.
Last updated August 10, 2026