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3. press on

press on

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press on something

to push or depress something, such as a button, catch, snap, etc. Press on this button if you require room service. Don't press on this because it rings a loud bell.

See also: on, press

press on(ward)

to continue; to continue to try. Don't give up! Press onward! I have lots to do. I must press on.

See also: on, press

press something (up)on someone

to urge or force something on someone; to try to get someone to accept something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) He always presses second helpings upon his guests. She pressed a gift on us that we could not refuse.

See also: on, press

press (up)on someone or something

to put pressure on someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The crowd pressed upon the child, squeezing out all his breath. The load presses on your car's springs very heavily.

See also: on, press

press on

also press ahead

to continue to go forward push on We pressed on toward the town even though we were both so tired we could barely walk.

See also: on, press

press on (with something)

also press ahead (with something)

to continue to do something in a determined way He said his comments were meant as a joke, but the Miss America Organization pressed on with its lawsuit. The construction firm pressed ahead with plans to build the skyscraper.

See also: on, press

press on

v.

1. To apply direct pressure to something: I pressed on the edge of the table, and it tipped over.

2. To continue doing something with determination and despite setbacks: Despite their exhaustion, the climbers pressed on toward the summit.

See also: on, press