Pushover: meaning, definitions and examples

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pushover

 

[ ˈpʊʃˌoʊvər ]

Noun
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?

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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?

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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

Translations of the word "pushover" in other languages:

🇵🇹 moleza

🇮🇳 आसान काम

🇩🇪 Kinderspiel

🇮🇩 pekerjaan mudah

🇺🇦 легка справа

🇵🇱 łatwizna

🇯🇵 簡単な仕事

🇫🇷 jeu d'enfant

🇪🇸 juego de niños

🇹🇷 çocuk oyuncağı

🇰🇷 쉬운 일

🇸🇦 مهمة سهلة

🇨🇿 hračka

🇸🇰 hračka

🇨🇳 轻而易举的事

🇸🇮 lahka naloga

🇮🇸 barnaleikur

🇰🇿 оңай жұмыс

🇬🇪 მარტივი საქმე

🇦🇿 asan iş

🇲🇽 juego de niños

Etymology

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.