ramrod
/ˈræmˌrɑd/
noun
- A rod used to push the charge down the barrel of a muzzle-loading firearm.
- The soldier cleaned his musket with a ramrod before loading it.
- He carefully inserted the ramrod into the barrel to tamp down the wadding.
- In historical reenactments, participants use a ramrod to pack the gunpowder.
- A person who is very strict, rigid, or uncompromising in behavior or attitude.
- My grandfather was a ramrod about punctuality—he expected everyone at the table by six.
- The new manager is a real ramrod who insists on following every rule exactly.
- She ran the classroom like a ramrod, with no talking or fooling around allowed.
verb
- To force something through or into a position with great effort or determination.
- They tried to ramrod the bill through Congress before the recess.
- The CEO ramrodded the new policy through the board meeting despite objections.
- He ramrodded the heavy pipe into the narrow gap using all his strength.
- To push or drive something with a ramrod-like motion.
- The soldier ramrodded the charge into the cannon with practiced ease.
- She ramrodded the cleaning brush down the drain to clear the clog.
- He ramrodded the tent stake into the hard ground with a mallet.