A pushover
Meaning
A person who is easily persuaded, influenced, or defeated.
Origin
Imagine a rickety fence, barely held together, or a lightweight toy soldier standing precariously on a shelf. A mere tap, a gentle push, and over it goes. This vivid, physical image of something easily toppled is where "a pushover" gets its start, emerging into common English as a noun in the early 20th century. It painted a picture of minimal effort yielding maximum effect—a thing or even a person offering no resistance to force. From literal objects that could be pushed over, the term swiftly leaped into the realm of human interaction, perfectly capturing the essence of someone who, like that flimsy fence, yields without a fight to persuasion, pressure, or even gentle manipulation. It's a quick, almost dismissive label for anyone lacking the backbone to stand firm.
Examples
- My boss is such a pushover; he'll agree to anything if you ask him nicely enough.
- The team thought they'd win easily against the new recruits, but they certainly weren't a pushover.