# grind into

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grind-into
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to press something hard into a surface using a twisting movement; it can also mean to force someone to accept a difficult idea or habit through constant repetition.

For teachers: to press or rub something forcefully into a surface; figuratively, to instill something in someone through persistent, forceful repetition or to oppress someone through harsh treatment.

## Examples

- He used his shoe to grind the cigarette into the dirt.
- The coach tried to grind the basic rules of the game into the new players during every practice.
- Years of systemic poverty had served to grind the local population into a state of weary resignation and hopelessness.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She grinded the dirt into the carpet." but "She ground the dirt into the carpet." — the past tense of 'grind' is 'ground', not 'grinded'.

## Usage notes

- often used with physical objects like dirt or dust, or abstract concepts like ideas and habits.
- Teaching tip: highlight the physical action of 'grinding' (like coffee beans) to help students visualize the force and repetition required for the figurative meaning.

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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.