frog-march
Definition
- Verb:
- To force someone to walk forward by holding their arms from behind or by carrying them face down: "frog-march" refers to a method of physically moving a person, typically a prisoner or resistant individual, by having them lie face down while four people carry them by their arms and legs, or by making them walk with their arms pinned behind their back.
Usage Examples
- (They forced him to walk with his arms held behind him.)
- (They carried him face down by his limbs.)
- (He was moved forcibly by several people.)
Advanced Usage
"to frog-march someone out": to remove someone from a place forcefully and publicly.
- The unruly guest was frog-marched out of the party by the bouncers. (He was ejected in a humiliating, physical manner.)
"to frog-march someone into a situation": to force someone to participate or comply against their will.
- She was frog-marched into the meeting despite her objections. (She was compelled to attend.)
Variants and Related Words
Frog-march (noun): the act or method of carrying or moving a person in this way.
- The frog-march of the prisoner was recorded on video. (The specific carrying method was shown.)
Frog's-march (noun, alternative spelling): same as "frog-march."
- The old term "frog's-march" is rarely used today. (It is an archaic variant.)
Synonyms
- Manhandle: to handle or move roughly by physical force.
- Drag: to pull someone along against their will.
- Hustle: to push or force someone to move quickly.
Related Idioms
To carry someone out feet first: to remove someone from a place, often dead or unconscious, but used metaphorically for forcible removal.
- If you don't leave quietly, you'll be carried out feet first. (You will be forcibly removed.)
To walk someone out: to escort someone out, often under guard.
- The officer walked the suspect out of the station. (He was led out under supervision.)