# push it

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/push-it
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make an extraordinary or risky effort; to behave in a way which tests the limits; to take chances; to expect too much.

## Examples

- Don't push it, or you will be late for work.
- You are already driving too fast, so do not push it.
- She is in a bad mood, so do not push it.
- He was already tired, but he decided to push it and finish the project before midnight.
- I will let you borrow my car today, but do not push it by asking to keep the keys all weekend.
- The doctor said your leg is healing well, but you should not push it by running a marathon yet.
- My boss gave me a small bonus, and I knew I would be pushing it if I asked for a raise too.
- The hotel staff allowed us to check in two hours early, but we felt we were pushing it when we asked for a free room upgrade as well.
- Although the mountain climber knew the storm was approaching, he chose to push it, hoping to reach the summit before the weather turned dangerous.

## Origin

The slang sense referring to sexual intercourse was inspired by Salt-N-Pepa and their 1980s song "Push It". While the lyrics are ostensibly concerned with dancing, they were recorded to clearly imply sexual activity.

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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.