Drive at Meaning in English
expression
ˈdɹaɪv/ /ˈæt
DRYV-at
dɹˈaɪv/ /ˈæt
dryv-AT
Definition
To try to express or suggest something in an indirect way; to imply a point or meaning without saying it directly.
Usage & Nuances
Common in spoken and informal English, often as 'What are you driving at?' or 'I'm not sure what he's driving at.' Used when someone is being unclear or hinting. Not related to operating a vehicle.
Spanish: querer decir - insinuarPortuguese (BR): querer dizer - insinuarPortuguese (PT): querer dizer - insinuarChinese (Simplified): 意指 - 暗示Chinese (Traditional): 意指 - 暗示Hindi: इशारा करना - कहना चाहनाArabic: يقصد - يلمحBengali: ইঙ্গিত করা - বোঝাতে চাওয়াRussian: намекать - подводить к чему-либоJapanese: ほのめかす - 言おうとしているVietnamese: ám chỉ - ngụ ýKorean: 돌려 말하다 - 암시하다Turkish: üstü kapalı anlatmak - ima etmekUrdu: اشارہ کرنا - اشارۃً بات کرناIndonesian: ám chỉ - nói bóng gió
Example Sentences
What are you driving at?
basic
I don't understand what she is driving at.
basic
Can you be clear about what you are driving at?
basic
He kept talking, but I couldn't figure out what he was driving at.
natural
If you're driving at something, just say it outright.
natural
I wish you'd get to the point—what exactly are you driving at?
natural