brute force

Idioms  

1. Also, brute strength. Savage violence, unreasoning strength, as in We hope that reason will triumph over brute force. Although this expression is also used literally to mean exceptional physical power, the figurative sense reflects the origin for brute, which comes from Latin brutus, for “heavy, stupid, unreasoning.” [First half of 1700s]

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Example Sentences

South Africa have long relied on fast bowlers of rare quality, but this attack has evolved beyond brute force.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

And by the sheer brute force of its size, bond markets force both the subjects of its wrath, and the investors that rely on them, into submission.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

The self-dubbed “Russian Machine” got there with brute force and a singular focus that prioritized scoring above all else.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2025

“If you try to do brute force, it’s going going to throw you off.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2025

The very substantial financial investment involved in backing and launching an insecticide may be swept away as the insects prove once more that the effective approach to nature is not through brute force.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• clout
• courage
• durability
• energy
• firmness
• fortitude
• health
• power
• stability
• tenacity
• toughness
• vigor
• vitality