ram something down someone’s throat: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘ram something down someone's throat’ mean?
The idiom "ram something down someone's throat" means to force someone to accept or believe something, usually by being very persistent or aggressive in presenting it.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "shove something down someone's throat" means to force someone to accept or believe something, often in an aggressive or relentless manner.
The idiom "sell down the river" means to betray or deceive someone, especially for personal gain or to avoid trouble, by putting them in a difficult or disadvantageous situation, often without their knowledge or consent.
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or remind someone of something, often in a way that causes annoyance or embarrassment.
The idiom *rain down* means to fall or descend in large quantities or with force, often used metaphorically to describe a sudden and overwhelming occurrence or event.
The idiom "putty in someone's hands" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, easily manipulated or influenced by that person.
The idiom "put the screws" means to apply pressure or force in order to make someone do something or to extract information from them. It implies the use of manipulation or coercion to achieve control or compliance.
The idiom *put the hammer down* means to take decisive action or to enforce strict measures.
The idiom "put that in your pipe and smoke it" is used to dismiss someone's argument or opinion, implying that they should accept or deal with a particular fact or situation that may not be in their favor.
FAIL
The related idiom "shove something down someone's throat" shares a similar meaning to "ram something down someone's throat." It also implies forcefully forcing an idea, opinion, or information on someone without allowing for any resistance. The word "shove" intensifies the act of forcing, emphasizing the lack of consideration for the other person's feelings or perspective.
In a similar vein, the idiom "force something down someone's throat" conveys the same idea. It suggests a relentless imposition of an idea or belief onto another person, leaving them no choice but to accept it. The word "force" reinforces the idea of exerting power and control over the other person.
Both "shove something down someone's throat" and "force something down someone's throat" are used to describe situations where one person dominates a conversation or situation, leaving no room for opposing viewpoints. They highlight the aggressive and overpowering nature of the act, emphasizing the lack of consideration for the other person's autonomy.
These phrases, including "ram something down someone's throat," are commonly used to express resistance, frustration, or disapproval towards individuals who exhibit such behavior. They serve as powerful tools for critiquing those who forcefully impose their opinions, ideas, or beliefs onto others. By using these idiomatically rich expressions, speakers can convey their discontentment and challenge authority in a concise and impactful manner.
The usage of these idioms is not limited to specific contexts. They can be employed in various situations where there is a noticeable power imbalance or a disregard for differing perspectives. Whether it's in a formal debate, a casual conversation, or a heated argument, these idioms convey a message of disapproval and frustration, drawing attention to the one-sided imposition of ideas.
Example usage
1. He always tries to ram his political beliefs down my throat, even though I've made it clear that I'm not interested in discussing politics.
2. The company has been accused of ramming their new product down consumers' throats by bombarding them with aggressive advertising campaigns.
3. She had a tendency to ram her opinions down her coworkers' throats during meetings, rarely allowing them to express their own thoughts.