The phrase "pushes button" refers to an action in which an individual applies force or pressure to activate a button. A button, in this context, usually refers to a small, round or rectangular object that is typically found on mechanical or electronic devices. It serves as a control mechanism and is designed to be pressed or pushed.
When someone "pushes a button," they engage in the act of physically pressing down on the button's surface. This action can be done with a finger, thumb, or any other appropriate body part or tool. The purpose of pushing a button is generally to initiate or trigger a specific function or operation of the device to which the button is connected.
The action of pushing a button is commonly associated with electronic devices, such as televisions, radios, or computers. It is through the act of pushing buttons that various features, settings, or commands are executed. For instance, pushing the power button on a television turns it on or off, while pushing the play button on a music player starts the playback of a song.
In a broader sense, the expression "pushes button" can be metaphorically used to depict someone's ability to easily manipulate or provoke a reaction from another person. This figurative interpretation suggests that by certain actions or words, an individual manages to exert influence or control over someone else's emotions or behaviors.
The phrase "pushes button" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words.
The term "push" can be traced back to the Old French word "pulser" meaning "to beat, thrust, or push". It later entered Middle English as "puschen" with a similar meaning.
The word "button" originates from the Old French word "boton" which referred to a bud or shoot of a plant. It entered Middle English as "botoun" still with the botanical meaning. Later, it took on the sense of a small disk or knob that can be pressed or pushed.
When the two words are combined, "pushes button" is simply a verb phrase describing the action of pressing or activating a button.