to muscle into
2
7.4
- phrasal verb
- /ˈmʌsəl ˈɪntu/
- Informal
- Avery muscles his way into the session.
- muscled way into
- try to muscle into
Examples
-
The new competitor tried to muscle into the market, using aggressive advertising tactics.
-
He starts to resist the agents and must be muscled into the chopper.
Fiction book (1997) -
"Ex-con muscles his way into the art world."
-
Sam bolts to the head of the line and muscles his way into the cab.
Fiction book (1993) -
After the merger, several smaller firms attempted to muscle into the industry.
-
He was determined to muscle into the decision-making team at work, despite lacking experience.
Synonyms
20
6.6
To push into a place using physical strength or influence
18
6.3
To start taking control of a business or area without being invited
4
5.6
To join a line or enter a place without waiting your turn
1
7.2
To push into a crowd or group using your body to get ahead
1
3.9
Move forward by getting past people or things blocking the way
To become strongly involved in something and take control of it
Antonyms
How Forceful
78
4.4
- Informal
2
7.4
- Informal
65
5.5
∞
1.5
2
5.3
- Informal
127
3.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'muscle' (strength/power) and 'into' (movement inside) transparently suggest forcing entry or influence, so a learner knowing both words can often infer 'to force one's way into.' However, the phrase is a metaphorical extension (including using influence or aggressive tactics rather than literal physical force) and carries pragmatic/idiomatic nuances that may not be fully predictable without exposure.
Etymology
The phrasal verb muscle into comes from the strong image of using literal muscle to push yourself into a crowd or place. That's why it means 'to force your way into' a group, conversation, or market, often by pressure or force.