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at a push
01
with difficulty or extra effort
What is the origin of the idiom "at a push" and when to use it?
The idiom "at a push" likely originates from the idea of applying force or pressure to make something work or achieve a result. While the exact historical origin is not precisely documented, it is often used in contemporary language to describe situations where individuals are willing to go the extra mile or make an additional effort to achieve something under less-than-ideal conditions.
Example
The room is designed for four people, but at a push, we can accommodate one more person on the sofa.
The suitcase is a bit small for all my clothes, but at a push, I can make it work for the weekend trip.
Although completing the marathon isn't easy for me, I could manage it at a push.
The budget allows for four days of travel, but at a push, we could stretch it to five days if necessary.
I usually need an hour to prepare for presentations, but at a push, I can do it in 45 minutes.
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