# drive home

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drive-home
Updated: 2026-07-27

## Definition

to make someone fully understand or accept the importance of a point or idea. You use this when you want to emphasize something very clearly.

For teachers: to cause someone to fully grasp or appreciate the significance of a point or argument through repeated or forceful explanation.

## Examples

- He tried to drive home the importance of safety.
- The manager had to drive home the message that the project deadline was non-negotiable.
- The documentary uses harrowing footage to drive home the devastating impact of climate change on coastal communities.

## Pitfalls

- Not "drive home the point to him" but "drive the point home to him" — The object can be placed between the verb and the particle 'home' for emphasis.

## Usage notes

- The phrasal verb is transitive and takes a direct object; it is often used with the preposition 'to' when introducing the person being convinced.

---

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.