Phrasal verbs with “Muscle” in English

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How the Word “Muscle” is Used in English

In English, the word muscle [ˈmʌsəl] has a few versatile meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it refers to the physical muscles in the human or animal body responsible for movement and strength. For example:

Exercise helps to build muscle and maintain a healthy body.

Beyond this physical meaning, muscle is also used metaphorically to denote strength, power, or influence. You’ll often encounter this usage in idiomatic expressions. For example:

The company used its financial muscle to dominate the market.

Grammatical Usage

Muscle most commonly functions as a noun, but it can also appear as a verb in certain expressions and phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs in English are particularly useful; they combine a verb with a preposition or adverb to create new meanings, sometimes surprising ones, which makes them valuable to learn.

When muscle is used within phrasal verbs, it takes on meanings related to influence, power, or the idea of forcefully pushing through or against something. Let’s take a closer look at some of the popular phrasal verbs with muscle, their meanings, and how they are used in everyday English.

Popular Phrasal Verbs with “Muscle” in English

1. Muscle in

Meaning: This phrase is used when someone intrudes or intervenes in a situation uninvited. It describes an assertive or intrusive entry.
Example: He muscled in on our conversation, even though no one asked him to join.

2. Muscle in on

Meaning: Muscle in on emphasizes active interference in a matter or project, often facing resistance from others.
Example: They muscled in on our business deal, leaving us with no choice but to cooperate.

3. Muscle into

Meaning: This expression indicates actively trying to get involved in something, even if others are resistant.
Example: She muscled into the meeting and began voicing her opinions uninvited.

4. Muscle out

Meaning: To muscle out means to force someone out of a role or situation using power, influence, or connections.
Example: They muscled him out of the company by spreading rumors and undermining his position.

5. Muscle through

Meaning: Muscle through means to persist in doing something despite obstacles, using strength and determination to overcome them.
Example: Despite the setbacks, they muscled through and completed the project on time.

6. Muscle up

Meaning: This expression refers to building physical strength or getting in shape.
Example: He has been muscling up for the big race.

These phrasal verbs with muscle enrich the language by adding a sense of forcefulness or persistence, particularly in situations that involve strength or influence. Using these expressions in conversations can add vividness to your descriptions, especially in scenarios where someone is acting assertively or even aggressively.

Common Idioms and Phrases with “Muscle”

Beyond phrasal verbs, muscle appears in a variety of idiomatic expressions that convey the concepts of strength and power. Here are a few of the most popular:

1. Flex one’s muscles

Meaning: To show one’s strength or capabilities, even if not taking direct action.
Example: The new CEO started flexing her muscles by introducing several big changes in the company.

2. Put some muscle behind (something)

Meaning: To add effort, resources, or support to something to help it succeed.
Example: If we want to win this contract, we need to put some muscle behind our proposal.

3. Move (with) muscle

Meaning: To act with confidence and strength to achieve a goal, even against resistance.
Example: The activist group moved with muscle to ensure their voices were heard at the rally.

4. Throw one’s weight around

Meaning: To use one’s authority or influence to achieve personal goals, often disregarding others.
Example: He started throwing his weight around after he was promoted to manager.

5. Muscle-bound

Meaning: Describes someone with large muscles, often to the point that it limits their flexibility. Figuratively, it can also describe someone who is rigid or constrained in their outlook.
Example: The muscle-bound athlete struggled to reach the ball due to his bulk.

6. Flex (your) muscles

Meaning: To show or demonstrate one’s capabilities, often as a warning to others.
Example: The company is flexing its muscles by announcing aggressive expansion plans.

7. Show muscle

Meaning: Used to describe situations where someone demonstrates power or influence, often as a warning or to make a statement.
Example: The military showed its muscle by conducting large-scale exercises near the border.

Whether used literally or figuratively, the word muscle carries a sense of power and strength, whether it’s physical, financial, or influential. This versatility makes it an engaging word in various English expressions.