Use of "Pitchfork"

Question

HiThe use of "pitchfork" as a verb was not very clear in the dictionaries I have. Could you please tell me if it means to influence/force someone? Is it common among native speakers?She pitchforked me into telling her all the news.Thanks,Tom

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

The use of "pitchfork" as a verb was not very clear in the dictionaries I have. Could you please tell me if it means to influence/force someone? Is it common among native speakers?

She pitchforked me into telling her all the news.

A pitchfork is a crude tool, used for moving things forcefully from one place to another.

Figuratively, the verb means 'to force someone into a new situation or position'.

eg I didn't want to do it, but my boss pitchforked me into chairing the new committee.

It's not used everyday, but it's not a very unusual word.

In your example above, I don't see enough of a new situation to warrant using the word.

Clive

Non sequitur · Answer

Mr. Tom
Hi

The use of "pitchfork" as a verb was not very clear in the dictionaries I have. Could you please tell me if it means to influence/force someone? Is it common among native speakers?

She pitchforked me into telling her all the news.

Thanks,

Tom

In the sentence, that is what it is meaning.

I have never heard the phrase.

I'd call this Creative Englishing. Taking a word that isn't a verb, but forcing it to be one because of the imagery that comes with the word.

Use of "Pitchfork"

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