Steamrolled

To steamroll means to overwhelm or crush someone or something, often by brute force, superior resources, or relentless pressure, leaving the opposition powerless to resist. It suggests a complete and decisive victory, leaving no room for negotiation or compromise. This can apply to physical combat, business negotiations, political campaigns, or even creative endeavors. The act implies a rapid and forceful advance, metaphorically comparing the impact to a steamroller flattening everything in its path, leaving those impacted in a state of utter defeat and complete control in the hands of the dominant entity.

Steamrolled meaning with examples

• The larger team steamrolled the smaller one in the championship game, their superior speed and skill leaving the underdogs with no chance to score. Their offense was unstoppable, and their defense suffocated any attempt at a comeback, ensuring a victory that was a foregone conclusion from the second quarter.
• In the corporate takeover, the aggressive bidder steamrolled the rival company. They used their massive financial advantage and leveraged hostile tactics to seize control, leaving the other company's shareholders and executives with no option but to accept their offer, essentially wiping them from the map.
• The political party, fueled by public outrage, steamrolled the legislation through parliament. Using their significant majority, they ignored any objections or amendments, pushing their agenda forward with uncompromising speed and minimal debate, enacting the controversial law.
• The ambitious director steamrolled his vision onto the film project, overruling the creative input of the actors and the production team. His unwavering belief in his own ideas led to a highly stylized movie, but it came at the cost of the collaborative process, resulting in some cast and crew quitting.