drive a coach and horses through

present singular third person drives a coach and horses through · participle present driving a coach and horses through · past drove a coach and horses through · participle past driven a coach and horses through · alternative drive a coach and six through

1. UKidiomaticTo spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).

   These findings drive a coach and horses through the claim that Wonga has been lending responsibly.

   2014 October 2, Emma Dunkley, George Parker, quoting Pat McFadden, “Wonga to write off £220m of loans owed by customers”, in The Financial Times

   1 more example

   We’ve been told that No 10 is preparing to update its obesity strategy. Part of that must be to get us all eating more healthily.¶ But a sugary, junk-filled trade deal will drive a coach and horses through it all.

   2018 March 18, Denis Campbell, “UK anti-obesity drive at risk from new US trade deal, doctors warn”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: nonconform