prevail on

Idioms  

1. Successfully persuade or influence, as in They prevailed on me to speak at their annual luncheon. This term uses prevail in the sense of “exert superior force.” It replaced prevail with in the mid-1600s.

---

Example Sentences

Celtic took full advantage of that first defeat in 32 games, hammering five goals past St Mirren in Paisley to prevail on goal difference.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

When the two heads of government met at a summit in Egypt last October, Trump was chummy, playfully ribbing the tall Spanish leader about which of them would prevail on defense spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

How can public interest prevail on platforms and in outlets that are privately owned?

From Salon • May 26, 2025

District Judge Margaret Garnett appeared to agree, issuing a temporary injunction that said Fubo was likely to prevail on claims that the partnership would “substantially lessen competition and restrain trade.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2024

As this is a friendly Spirit, I dare say, you may prevail on him to take what Shape you please.

From The Old Debauchees. A Comedy (1732) by Fielding, Henry

Related Words

• prevail upon