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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

drive a coach and horses through en · VERB

Meanings

  1. (UK, idiomatic) To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).
    • These findings drive a coach and horses through the claim that Wonga has been lending responsibly. 2014 October 2, Emma Dunkley, George Parker, quoting Pat McFadden, “Wonga to write off £220m of loans owed by customers”, in The Financial Times:
    • We’ve been told that No 10 is preparing to update its obesity strategy. Part of that must be to get us all eating more healthily.¶ But a sugary, junk-filled trade deal will drive a coach and horses through it all. 2018 March 18, Denis Campbell, “UK anti-obesity drive at risk from new US trade deal, doctors warn”, in The Guardian:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
driving a coach and horses through Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
drive a coach and six through alternative lexicographic
drives a coach and horses through Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
driven a coach and horses through Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
drove a coach and horses through Tense=Past lexicographic

Synonyms

nonconform