driving force

Idioms and Phrases

The impetus, power, or energy behind something in motion, as in He was clearly the driving force in the new administration . This term transfers the force that sets in motion an engine or vehicle to other enterprises. Ralph Waldo Emerson was among the first to use it figuratively ( English Traits , 1856): “The ability of its journals is the driving force.”

Example Sentences

That desire for escapism has been Murray’s driving force since childhood.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts cited vague notions of “self-government” as the driving force in his desire for the United States to confront China.

From Salon

“I had no idea until we spoke about his music that he was such a driving force lyrically,” McLean said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Prince of Wales says “inspiration and guidance” from his mother, Diana, has been a driving force behind his personal commitment to tackle homelessness.

From BBC

In fact, one of the driving forces behind right-wing populism and authoritarianism is that it’s a reaction to the breakdown of these binaries and the social changes that have resulted.

From Salon