During the final century of the Merovingian rule, the dynasty was increasingly pushed into a ceremonial role.

Saudi Arabia will not be pushed into a role of swing producer, cutting back its oil production alone to help the world.

It sometimes seems that Lil' Flip has been pushed into a role that doesn't quite suit him.

The aim is to take some of the ardor out of the insurgency by pushing American forces into a supporting role.

Two weeks ago, the little-used Ryan Clark was pushed into a big role.

His lengthy sabbatical and lack of match-fitness have combined to push him into a deeper, more thoughtful role.

And that I did not like, for it pushed me into a role I shrank from.

I've been pushed into a role that I am most uncomfortable with.

Rock (and dance music and hip-hop) pushed the music into a public role by taking it to the party.

But no one else was interested in this little drama, so Dan had found himself pushed into a leading role.