The phrase "drum into" is spelled /drʌm ˈɪntu/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This phrase means to repeat or emphasize something in order to make it understood or remembered. The word "drum" is pronounced with a short "u" sound (/ʌ/) and the "m" is followed by a silent "b". The word "into" is pronounced with a long "i" sound (/ɪ/) and a soft "n" sound (/n/), with the stress on the second syllable. Together, "drum into" is a common idiom for the act of committed repetition in instruction or learning.
The phrasal verb "drum into" is commonly used to emphasize the repetitive, persistent, and intensive teaching or learning of something so that it becomes deeply ingrained or firmly established in one's mind or behavior. It involves the process of repeatedly or forcefully instilling knowledge, information, skills, or ideas into someone's consciousness in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
When something is "drummed into" someone, it means that a concept, lesson, behavior, or any form of instruction is repeatedly and insistently taught or repeated to ensure it is understood and remembered. It suggests a continuous, rigorous, and unwavering effort to try to make someone learn or achieve a specific objective.
The term "drum" metaphorically refers to the action of beating or tapping on a drum, which produces a repetitive and rhythmic sound that can potentially captivate one's attention and leave a lasting impression. Similarly, "drumming something into" someone's mind suggests the intention to leave a strong and indelible mark through persistence and repetition.
This expression is often employed in contexts related to education, training, discipline, or even moral values. For example, a teacher might drum mathematics formulas into their students' minds by constantly revising and practicing them, ensuring students understand and memorize them thoroughly. Likewise, parents might drum the importance of good manners into their children by consistently reminding, correcting, and modeling appropriate behavior. Overall, "drumming into" emphasizes the act of embedding knowledge or behaviors deeply and securely into someone's consciousness through persistence and repetition.
The phrase "drum into" has its origins in the figurative use of the word "drum". The word "drum" derives from the Middle Dutch "tromme", which means "drum". The verb "drum" originally referred to the act of beating on a drum, producing a repetitive sound. Over time, this sense of repetition and persistence has been applied metaphorically to various contexts.
In the phrase "drum into", the word "drum" is used in a figurative sense, conveying the idea of repeatedly and forcefully impressing or teaching something to a person. When something is "drummed into" someone, it means that it is being repeatedly emphasized or taught in a way that leaves a lasting impression, as if being pounded into their mind like the beating of a drum.