Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): - To force one's way into a situation, group, or activity, often using aggressive, assertive, or coercive tactics to gain entry or influence where one is not necessarily welcome or invited.

Usage and Examples

This phrasal verb describes an intrusive and forceful action. It implies using strength, power, or pressure to become involved in something.

• Example 1: The large corporation tried to muscle into the small, local market, driving out family-owned businesses.
• Example 2: He wasn't invited to the negotiations but managed to muscle into the meeting anyway.
• Example 3: Several new players are muscling into the competitive tech industry.

Advanced Usage and Nuance

The verb often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unwelcome intrusion, unfair competition, or the use of undue influence. It is frequently used in business, political, or competitive contexts.

• "muscle in on": This is a common variant with the same meaning, often followed by what is being intruded upon (e.g., a territory, a deal, someone's business).
  • Example: Rival gangs are trying to muscle in on their territory.

Variants and Related Words

• Muscle (n): Physical strength; power or influence.
• Muscular (adj): Having well-developed muscles; figuratively, vigorous or powerful.
• Strong-arm (v/adj): To use force or threats (as a verb); using force (as an adjective). This is a close conceptual relative to "muscle into."

Synonyms

• Intrude into: To enter without invitation or welcome.
• Force one's way into: To enter using strength or determination.
• Barge into: To enter rudely or abruptly.
• Horn in on (idiom, informal): To intrude or interfere.
• Elbow one's way into: To push forward aggressively to gain a position.

Antonyms

• Withdraw from
• Be invited into
• Be excluded from

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Throw one's weight around: To use one's power or influence in a forceful, arrogant way. This describes a similar behavior of using force or influence, but not necessarily focused on gaining entry.
  • Example: The new manager started throwing his weight around immediately.

Verb

1. force one's way
   • He muscled into the union