Definition

Verb: 1. To make something completely understood or accepted, especially by stating it forcefully or repeatedly: This meaning emphasizes using special effort to ensure a point, idea, or argument is clearly comprehended and believed. 2. To carry out or perform an action with force and effectiveness: This meaning refers to delivering something, such as a blow or an attack, so that it lands powerfully and achieves its intended impact.

Examples

• Verb (Meaning 1: Emphasize to convince):
• Verb (Meaning 2: Perform effectively):

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in persuasive contexts like teaching, public speaking, or argumentation for the first meaning.
• For the second meaning, it is frequently found in contexts involving physical combat, sports, or metaphorical "attacks" in debates.
• It functions as a separable phrasal verb. The object (e.g., "the point," "a left hook") can often be placed between "drive" and "home" or after "home."

Variants and Related Words

• Drive (verb): To propel, urge forward, or provide the power for operation. The core sense of forceful, directed movement relates to "drive home."
• Hammer home (phrasal verb): A near-synonym for the first meaning, emphasizing repetition and force to make a point understood.

Synonyms

• Emphasize / Stress (for meaning 1): To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
• Press home (for meaning 1): To assert an advantage or argument insistently.
• Deliver / Land (for meaning 2): To succeed in striking or applying something effectively.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Drive at: To intend to mean or express something (often used in continuous tense: "What are you driving at?").
• Drive into: To force someone to learn or accept something, often through repetition.

Related Idioms

• Hit home: (Of a statement, truth, etc.) to be fully understood, especially in a way that causes emotional impact. This is similar in effect to "drive home" but focuses on the receiver's understanding rather than the speaker's action.

Verb

1. make clear by special emphasis and try to convince somebody of something
   • drive home a point or an argument
   • I'm trying to drive home these basic ideas
2. carry out or perform
   • deliver an attack, deliver a blow
   • The boxer drove home a solid left