battering ram

American  

noun

1. an ancient military device with a heavy horizontal ram for battering down walls, gates, etc.

2. any of various similar devices, usually machine-powered, used in demolition, by police and firefighters to force entrance to a building, etc.

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battering ram British  

noun

1. (esp formerly) a large beam used to break down the walls or doors of fortifications

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Etymology

Origin of battering ram

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

On June 11, he wrote: “Every time I read about the battering ram incident I’m just floored at how wild that is.”

From Los Angeles Times

He was his own battering ram: he put his head down and strode.

From Literature

Seattle inexplicably decided to throw instead of handing off to battering ram Marshawn Lynch, who was all but automatic in short-yardage situations.

From Los Angeles Times

Two balls into Australia's Plan B, one that reduced the series' best bowler in Starc to a battering ram, Brook backed away and almost top-edged a catch to the fielder lurking at third.

From BBC

Most humans would rather be a doormat than a battering ram, regardless of the urgency or circumstance.

From Los Angeles Times