Railroaded

Railroaded is the past tense of the verb railroad, used figuratively to describe pushing something through by heavy-handed pressure, often bypassing normal deliberation or fair consideration.

In politics and public law, to railroad a bill or measure means to advance it through a legislative body with limited debate, expedited procedures, or strong party discipline, leaving little room for opposition or alternative viewpoints. In such contexts the term implies coercion or a disregard for due process.

In everyday usage, to railroad someone means to coerce or pressure them into a decision or action, such as signing a contract or agreeing to terms without adequate time for review or independent advice. The sense carries a negative connotation and suggests unfair advantage or manipulation.

Origin and sense: the metaphor compares the rapid, predetermined path of a railroad to decisive actions taken with limited choice. The phrase has been in American English since the 19th century and has since spread to various formal and informal contexts.

Because it expresses perceived coercion, it is often subjective and context-dependent.