Definition of the word push for

The phrase "push for" originally had a literal meaning related to pushing objects, but over time it has taken on a figurative connotation. The term "push" in this context refers to making efforts or taking action to achieve a goal. The phrase "for" here signifies the object or goal being pursued. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th century, specifically the year 1882, when it first appeared in print in a book titled "A Notebook of a Son's Verses." The author, George Raven Thomson, used the phrase in a line that goes, "pushing our steam-ships lively for the sea." This usage clearly shows the phrase's roots in its literal interpretation, where people push objects to move them forward. Over the next few decades, "push for" became a popular expression in various contexts, and by the early 20th century, it started to take on a figurative meaning. Unlike many idioms that emerge explicitly, the transformation from literal to metaphorical sense is not entirely clear, but it's likely that the use of "push" in a forceful context suggested the idea of exerting effort or urgency. Today, "push for" is a commonly used figure of speech that indicates a deliberate effort to achieve a particular goal or outcome. It is a signal that people are taking a proactive approach to addressing a challenge or opportunity, and they are investing their time, resources, and energy to drive the desired outcome.