ENGLISH
REFERENCE

drive out

idiom
Meaning

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


Examples
SIMPLE

The loud noise will drive out the birds.

CONTEXTUAL

New construction projects often drive out local wildlife from the forest.

COMPLEX

The harsh economic conditions served to drive out many small businesses that had operated in the city for decades.

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 off

    To force to leave or go away.

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