Pushover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pushover

[ˈpʊʃˌoʊvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person

A person who is easily defeated or taken advantage of; someone who lacks resistance or is easily overwhelmed.

Synonyms

doormat, easy mark, soft touch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pushover	This word often refers to a person who is easy to influence or convince, often in social or professional contexts. Everyone knows that Bob is a pushover when it comes to changing project deadlines
doormat	This term is typically used in a negative sense to describe someone who lets others treat them badly, without standing up for themselves. Jane acts like a doormat, always agreeing with whatever her boss says, even when it's unfair
soft touch	This is used more kindly to describe someone who is generous or easily persuaded, often in situations involving lending money or doing favors. Sarah is a soft touch; she always lends money to colleagues in need
easy mark	Usually used in negative situations, this phrase describes someone who is easily tricked or conned, often in financial or deceptive scenarios. The con artists considered the elderly man to be an easy mark for their scam

Examples of usage

He's such a pushover, he always agrees to do whatever anyone asks him to.
Don't be a pushover, stand up for yourself and what you believe in.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

situation

A situation or event that is easily overcome or dealt with; something that requires minimal effort or difficulty.

Synonyms

no-brainer, piece of cake, walk in the park.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pushover	Refers to a person who is easy to influence or defeat. This word often has a negative connotation. He’s such a pushover; he always agrees to everyone’s demands. Winning that game was easy because the other team was a pushover.
piece of cake	Refers to something that is very easy to do or accomplish. Neutral connotation. The math test was a piece of cake for her. Assembling the furniture was a piece of cake with the instructions.
walk in the park	Describes a task that is very easy, similar to 'piece of cake'. It is often used to compare with more difficult tasks. Compared to the last project, this one is going to be a walk in the park. Cooking dinner for two is a walk in the park compared to catering a wedding.
no-brainer	Describes a decision or task that is very easy and obvious. It does not carry negative connotations. Choosing the new software was a no-brainer because it had the best reviews. Deciding to go on vacation was a no-brainer after such a hectic year.

Examples of usage

Winning the game was a pushover for the experienced team.
This project will be a pushover compared to the last one.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People often become pushovers due to a desire for social acceptance, leading them to conform to others' wishes.
Studies show that individuals with high levels of agreeableness may be more susceptible to being pushovers.
Fear of conflict or disapproval can drive someone to avoid saying no, causing them to become a pushover in certain situations.

Pop Culture

In films and TV shows, pushovers are often depicted as the comic relief, providing humor through their gullibility.
Characters like George Costanza from 'Seinfeld' often portray pushover traits, which contribute to the show’s comedic conflict.
Animated films frequently feature pushovers as sidekicks, reflecting their loyal yet easily influenced nature.

Education

The concept of being a pushover can be discussed in classes about interpersonal skills or conflict resolution.
Teachers may use scenarios involving pushovers to teach assertiveness and the importance of saying no.
Courses on negotiation often highlight how being too agreeable can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures view pushovers variably; in collectivist societies, accommodating others may be celebrated, while in individualist cultures, it might be seen as a weakness.
Pushover behavior can also manifest differently in gender roles, with social expectations influencing how men and women negotiate their boundaries.
Cultural narratives often show heroes overcoming pushover tendencies to stand up for themselves or others.

Origin of 'pushover'

Main points about word origin

The term 'pushover' first appeared in print in the early 20th century, suggesting a sense of weakness.
It combines 'push', implying pressure, and 'over', indicating yielding or giving in.
Initially, it may have referred to a situation where it was easy to 'push' someone over in a game or contest.

The term 'pushover' originated in the early 20th century, combining the words 'push' and 'over'. It refers to someone or something that can be easily pushed over or defeated. The figurative use of the word to describe a person who is easily influenced or defeated emerged later, highlighting the concept of lack of resistance. Over time, 'pushover' has become a common expression in English to describe both people and situations that are easily overcome.

See also: push, pushbike, pushchair, pusher, pushily, pushing, pushpin, pushy.