Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To force something into place by striking or driving with great downward pressure: This meaning describes the physical action of using force, often with a tool or heavy object, to make something fit or enter a space.
   • To teach or instill something through rigorous, repetitive practice: This figurative meaning refers to the process of making someone learn something thoroughly by constant repetition, akin to hammering a concept into their mind.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The workers had to ram down the fence posts before the concrete set. (Describes the physical action of forcing the posts into the ground.)
  • The sergeant rammed down the new safety procedures until every recruit could recite them. (Describes the figurative action of enforcing learning through repetition.)
  • He used a mallet to ram down the lid of the crate.

Advanced Usage

• "to ram something down someone's throat": This is a common idiomatic extension meaning to force an idea, opinion, or belief on someone in an aggressive, persistent, and unwelcome manner.
  • The company tried to ram their new policy down the employees' throats without any discussion.

Variants and Related Words

• Ram (verb): To strike or push against something with force.
  • The ship rammed into the dock.
• Ramrod (noun/verb): A rod for ramming down the charge of a muzzle-loading firearm; used figuratively to mean to make something rigidly straight or to enforce strict discipline.

Synonyms

• Force down: To compel something to go down.
• Hammer in: To drive something in by hitting it repeatedly.
• Drill into: To teach by relentless repetition (figurative).
• Inculcate: To instill an idea, habit, or skill by persistent instruction (formal, figurative).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Ram through: To force the passage or acceptance of something (e.g., a law, plan) quickly and without proper consideration.
  • The government rammed the bill through parliament.

Related Idioms

• Ram down someone's throat: As noted in Advanced Usage, this idiom emphasizes the unwelcome and forceful nature of imposing something.
  • I'm tired of them ramming their political views down my throat.

Verb

1. teach by drills and repetition
2. strike or drive against with a heavy impact
   • ram the gate with a sledgehammer
   • pound on the door