Definition

Verb: - To push one's way into a space or through a crowd by using one's shoulders, typically in a forceful or assertive manner.

Usage

This verb describes a physical action of moving through a confined or crowded area by applying pressure with the shoulders. It implies a degree of determination or lack of concern for personal space. It is often used in contexts involving crowds, queues, or tight spaces.

Examples

• Verb:
  • He had to shoulder in to get to the front of the stage at the concert.
  • Without waiting in line, the rude man simply shouldered in at the ticket counter.

Advanced Usage

• "to shoulder one's way in": This is a more descriptive and common phrasing that emphasizes the manner of movement.
  • The latecomers tried to shoulder their way in at the front of the queue, angering those who had been waiting.

Variants and Related Words

• Shoulder (verb): To push with or as if with the shoulder. This is the base verb from which the phrasal verb is derived.
  • He shouldered the door open.
• Shouldering (noun/gerund): The act of pushing with the shoulder.
  • His shouldering through the crowd was very aggressive.

Synonyms

• Push in: To enter a line or space by pushing.
• Jostle: To push, elbow, or bump against someone roughly, typically in a crowd.
• Muscle in: To force one's way into a situation, often to gain an advantage.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Shoulder aside: To push someone out of the way using the shoulder.
  • He shouldered aside the other reporters to ask his question.
• Shoulder through: To make one's way through something by pushing with the shoulders.
  • We had to shoulder through the dense crowd to exit the stadium.

Related Idioms

• To throw one's weight around: To act in an aggressively arrogant or forceful way. While not identical, "shouldering in" can be a physical manifestation of this attitude.
  • The new manager is always throwing his weight around, telling everyone what to do.

Verb

1. push one's way in with one's shoulders