Drive a coach and horses through something

usgb
phrase

To expose the flaws or loopholes in something, often in a striking or clear way.

The defence lawyer drove a coach and horses through the prosecution's argument.
Visual representation of "drive a coach and horses through something" - To expose the flaws or loopholes in something, often in a striking or clear way.

Often appears as...

  • drove a coach and horses through their argument
  • drive a coach and horses through the rules

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "drive a coach and horses through something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Visual Imagery

Imagine literally driving a large vehicle through a structure. It's about creating big, obvious disruptions.

Illustration for Visual Imagery
The new evidence completely drove a coach and horses through the old theory.
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Not Literal

It's a figure of speech, not about driving. It means to ruin or disrupt something with force.

Illustration for Not Literal
The whistleblower's report drove a coach and horses through the company's reputation.
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British Origins

This phrase is chiefly British English, so it might be unfamiliar in American or other varieties of English.

Illustration for British Origins
He drove a coach and horses through convention by wearing jeans to the formal dinner.
Visual representation of the word "Drive a coach and horses through something"

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