# drive a coach and horses through

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/drive-a-coach-and-horses-through
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.