cow (someone) into (something)
(redirected from cows into doing)cow (someone) into (something)
To pressure, frighten, or shame someone into doing something or acting a certain way. You can say whatever you want—you're not cowing me into stealing for you. Always stand by your convictions, no matter how controversial or unpopular. Never let the opinions of the majority cow you into obedience! It's clear the other members of the party are trying to cow that politician into supporting their legislation.
See also: cow
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cow someone into something
to intimidate someone into doing something through the use of guilt or shame. You can't cow me into doing it. Those tricks don't work on me. You can cow Wally into almost anything.
See also: cow
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.