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Glite Dictionary
to drive the project forward

to drive the project forward

4.8
To help a project make progress by leading and taking action
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : impulsar el proyecto
  • Can you drive the project forward this week?

Examples

  • The new manager was brought in to drive the project forward and meet tight deadlines.

  • Her determination and leadership skills helped drive the project forward despite several setbacks.

  • We need some fresh ideas to drive the project forward after months of slow progress.

  • David drives the project forward every day.

  • The team worked overtime to drive the project forward and meet the deadline.

  • His leadership skills really helped to drive the project forward from the planning phase to completion.

  • We need to collaborate effectively to drive the project forward and achieve our goals.

Synonyms

to drive
vsto drive the project forward
∞ 3.6

To cause someone to want to do something strongly

involves directing and organising sustained progress, not only motivating people
to push
vsto drive the project forward
731 1.5

To try hard to achieve something, especially against difficulty

centres on leading the effort and driving long term progress
to promote
vsto drive the project forward
566 3.2

Help something grow and become more successful

focuses on taking charge and actively advancing the whole plan
to propel
vsto drive the project forward
45 4.7

To make someone want to do something

is about leading a project forward rather than only sparking action
to push forward
vsto drive the project forward
19 3.1

To keep making progress despite problems

relies on strong leadership and initiative to make things move
to propel to success
vsto drive the project forward
4.7

Help a person or company reach success

is broader, about guiding ongoing progress rather than only reaching success
to thrust ahead
vsto drive the project forward
5.7

To push forward through a crowd to get ahead

uses planned initiative and leadership rather than raw forceful movement

Antonyms

to stall
166 4.3

To delay doing something on purpose to get more time

to hinder
75 3.6

To make it difficult for people or things to do something

How Effective

to spearhead
41 5.6
to drive the project forward
4.8
to lead
∞ 1.0
to help with
438 1.0

Surface Forms

drive the project forward infinitive
drove the project forward past
driven the project forward past participle
driving the project forward present participle
drives the project forward third person singular

Morphology

drive + the + project + forward

The meaning 'to advance or push a project ahead' is directly derivable from combining 'drive' (to push or urge), 'project' (a planned piece of work), and 'forward' (ahead); the motion metaphor maps transparently onto making progress. This verb + object + directional element pattern is common across languages and in English, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would very likely infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The phrase drive the project forward comes from the image of someone driving a car or leading a team so the work moves ahead: to drive means to push or steer and forward means ahead. So, imagining a person at the wheel moving the work past obstacles helps explain why it means 'to actively promote or make progress with a project'.