drive at

British  

verb

1. informal (intr, preposition) to intend or mean

   what are you driving at?

---

drive at Idioms  

1. Mean to do or say, as in I don't understand what he's driving at. Today this idiom, first recorded in 1579, is used mainly with the participle driving.

---

Example Sentences

If he was slow to react, PSG would drop an attacker deep, who could then get on the ball, turn and drive at the defence, with space between him and an out-of-position Konate.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“But we are aiming for that level four autonomy, where you don’t have to drive at all.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

This would drive massive route-density economics, and could drive at least $500 million in synergies for both companies.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

Khawaja looked nervous at first and a flashing drive at Josh Tongue should have been held by Brook diving to his left at second slip.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

“No, I feel good. We high school graduates are often called upon to drive at night and we rise to the occasion. Is Okra in the car?”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy