push against an open door: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘push against an open door’ mean?
An analysis of the idiom "push against an open door" reveals that it means to engage in unnecessary effort or resistance when the intended action would be easy or welcomed. This expression typically conveys the futility of opposing something that is already in agreement or easily attainable.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up against" means to be facing or confronting something difficult or challenging.
The idiom "rush in" means to enter or engage in something hastily or without considering the consequences.
The idiomatic phrase "rush in" is a commonly used expression in American English that dates back several centuries. It means to quickly enter a situation or take action without thinking or hesitating. This phrase is often used to convey spontaneity or impulsive behavior.
The idiom "pull teeth" means a difficult or challenging task, often involving persuading or extracting information from someone who is uncooperative or reluctant.
The idiom "pull one's finger out" means to start taking action or making an effort after a period of inactivity or procrastination.
The idiom "pull a lever" means to take action or make a decision that has a significant and often irreversible impact or consequence.
The idiom "pull ahead" means to move forward or make progress in a competition or race. It signifies gaining an advantage or surpassing others in the pursuit of a particular goal or objective.
Idiom: pull ahead
The idiom "press on" means to continue or persevere, despite difficulties or obstacles. It implies determination and the refusal to give up. It can be used to encourage someone to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
The idiom "press on" is commonly used in American English and has a straightforward meaning. It is often used in a figurative sense to encourage someone to continue or persevere in their actions or efforts.
The idiom "press into service" means to make use of something or someone, especially in an unexpected or urgent situation, typically when there are limited options or resources available.
The idiom "pound sand" means to engage in a futile or pointless activity, often used as an expression of dismissal or irritation towards someone.
The idiom *plow the sands* means to waste time or effort on a pointless task or pursue a goal that is impossible to achieve, due to the futility of plowing sand. It implies a lack of productivity and provides a visual comparison to emphasize the futility.
Ineffective Efforts
Let's take a closer look at how the idiom "push against an open door" relates to several other idioms. These idioms include "open doors," "open the door," "up against," and "open the floodgates."
The idiom "open doors" is often used to describe opportunities or favorable circumstances. When someone encounters open doors, it means they have easy access to new possibilities or advantageous situations. In contrast, "push against an open door" implies a futile or pointless action. It suggests that the opportunity or desired outcome has already been achieved or is easily attainable, making further efforts unnecessary.
The phrase "open the door" is similar in meaning to "open doors." It refers to creating opportunities or giving someone access to new possibilities. However, when used in the context of "push against an open door," it highlights the redundancy of the action. The door has already been opened, and any attempt to push against it is futile and unnecessary.
When someone is "up against" a situation, it means they are facing a difficult or challenging circumstance. In the case of "push against an open door," the idiom implies that the individual is not facing any significant obstacles. They are, in fact, up against an open door, which requires little effort to overcome. This further emphasizes the pointless and unnecessary nature of the action.
The phrase "open the floodgates" is often used to describe the release or initiation of a large quantity or intensity of something. It signifies a significant change or an influx of activity. In relation to "push against an open door," the idiom highlights the lack of need for such a release or initiation. The floodgates have already been opened, and any attempt to push against them is superfluous.
The idiom "push against an open door" is related to several other idioms, including "open doors," "open the door," "up against," and "open the floodgates." It conveys a sense of futility and inefficiency, as the action in question is unnecessary or has already been accomplished. By examining the connections between these idioms, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies and nuances of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "push against an open door" can be used in a sentence:
- She tried to convince her parents to let her go to the party, but they were already in favor of it. It was like pushing against an open door.
- The salesman was relieved when the client eagerly agreed to purchase the product without any objections. It felt like pushing against an open door.
- When the team proposed a new innovation to their boss, he immediately embraced the idea as it aligned perfectly with his vision. They were essentially pushing against an open door.
More "Meaning" idioms
