battering ram

• Objet lourd, historiquement une grande poutre en bois utilisée pour enfoncer des portes ou des murs ; également utilisé métaphoriquement pour décrire quelqu'un ou quelque chose qui surmonte les obstacles avec force.

A heavy object, historically a large wooden beam, used to break down doors or walls; also used metaphorically to describe someone or something that forcefully overcomes obstacles.

1. Siege weaponB2formal

   A heavy beam, often with a metal head, used historically to break down doors or walls during a siege.

   bélier

   • The army used a battering ram to breach the castle gates.
   • Medieval soldiers carried a large battering ram to the fortress.
   • The battering ram was swung repeatedly against the wooden door.

2. Forceful person or thingC1informal

   A person or thing that uses force or persistence to overcome obstacles.

   Bélier humain / Force de persuasion

   • He acted as a battering ram in the negotiations, pushing for a deal.
   • The new policy was a battering ram against outdated regulations.
   • She was a battering ram for change in the company.