To “cow someone” means to scare or intimidate a person into doing what you want. It’s not about a farm animal; it’s about making someone feel small or afraid so they give in.
People use it in everyday talk when one person tries to bully another. “He tried to cow me into signing the contract” simply means “He tried to pressure me so I’d sign.” You’ll hear it in offices, schools, or online when someone pushes others around.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “The bigger kids tried to cow the new student, but she stood her ground.”
- “Don’t let them cow you—speak up for yourself.”
- “Management used threats to cow the staff into silence.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll spot it in news stories about power plays, in sports when a team tries to intimidate opponents, or in office gossip about a pushy boss. It’s short, vivid, and instantly paints a picture of someone using fear to get their way.
Is “cow someone” formal or slang?
It’s standard English, not slang, but it’s more common in writing and serious talk than in casual chat.
Can it be used in positive ways?
No. It always carries a negative sense of bullying or intimidation.
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