ENGLISH
REFERENCE

drive off

idiom
Meaning

To force to leave or go away.


Examples
SIMPLE

The loud noise helped drive off the stray cats.

CONTEXTUAL

The security guard used a bright flashlight to drive off the teenagers who were loitering near the store entrance.

COMPLEX

By implementing stricter patrol measures and installing better lighting, the neighborhood association successfully drove off the vandals who had been plaguing the park for months.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    drive a coach and horses through

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

  2. 02

    drive a hard bargain

    To negotiate forcefully.

  3. 03

    drive a stake through its heart

    get rid of, destroy permanently or stop talking about

  4. 04

    drive a wedge

    To separate.

  5. 05

    drive away

    To force someone or something to leave

  6. 06

    drive back

    To force someone or something to retreat or move away; repel.

  7. 07

    drive down

    To cause or force a price, quantity, rate, etc. to decrease.

  8. 08

    drive out

    To push or to pull, i.e. to force, (someone or something) out of somewhere.

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