push oneself too hard

/pʊʃ wʌnˈsɛlf tu ˈhɑrd/
phraseIntermediate to exert oneself excessively
informal

To exert oneself beyond one's physical or mental limits, often leading to stress or exhaustion.

He pushed himself too hard in the gym and ended up with an injury.

He overworked his body during exercise, resulting in harm.

Students often push themselves too hard during exam season.

Students frequently overwork themselves while studying for tests.

💡

This phrase is commonly used to describe overworking or overstressing oneself in personal or professional contexts.

Related Phrases

burn outphrase
to become exhausted from overwork
overdo itphrase
to do something to an excessive degree

💡Pro Tip

Avoid Overworking

Recognize when you're pushing yourself too hard and take breaks to prevent burnout.

Gold Rule

Balance is Key

Pushing yourself too hard can lead to physical or mental health issues. Balance effort with rest.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'push' (to exert effort) with the adverbial phrase 'too hard' (excessively), emphasizing the idea of overdoing something.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is working beyond their capacity, whether physically or mentally. It can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the effort is harmful or unsustainable.

Word Breakdown

push
to exert effort
root
+
oneself
reflexive pronoun referring to the subject
root
+
too hard
excessively or beyond reasonable limits
root
English Dictionary