Steamrolled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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steamrolled
steam-rolled
Definition
overwhelm completely
To steamroll someone means to overwhelm or crush them completely, often used in a figurative sense. This term can refer to a situation where one party exerts such force or influence over another that the latter feels powerless. The imagery comes from a steamroller, which flattens everything in its path. In discussions or debates, being steamrolled can imply that one's opinions or arguments are disregarded.
Synonyms
crush, defeat, flatten, overpower, overwhelm.
Examples of usage
- The powerful company steamrolled the competition.
- In the meeting, he felt steamrolled by his colleagues' opinions.
- The legislation was steamrolled through Congress.
- She felt steamrolled during the debate.
- The team steamrolled their opponents.
Translations
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Quick facts about “steamrolled”
Steamrolled is a 2-syllable verb (steam-rolled). It is pronounced /stˈiːmɹəʊld/. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 5 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages.
Origin of 'steamrolled'
The term 'steamroll' originated in the mid-20th century and is derived from the physical act of using a steamroller, a large machinery device that uses steam power to drive a roller to flatten surfaces. The metaphorical usage of the term reflects the actual power and efficiency of a steamroller in moving and compressing materials, which parallels how a person or group might forcefully assert their dominance in discussions, negotiations, or competitions. The term gained popularity in contexts related to business and politics, emphasizing the sometimes ruthless nature of competition and decision-making processes. As a result, 'steamrolled' evolved as a common colloquialism to describe occasions when someone is overwhelmed, often without the chance for fair consideration or input.