Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌʃ pˈast] (IPA) 
The phrase "rush past" consists of two words with straightforward spellings. "Rush" is pronounced /rʌʃ/ (r-uh-sh) and refers to moving quickly or hastily. "Past" is pronounced /pæst/ (p-ah-st) and refers to a time or place that is gone or no longer exists. When combined, "rush past" is pronounced /rʌʃ pæst/ (r-uh-sh p-ah-st) and refers to quickly moving by or beyond something or someone in the past tense.
The term "rush past" refers to the act of moving swiftly or quickly in a particular direction, often as a means to bypass or pass by something or someone. It encompasses the action of moving rapidly or hurriedly past a specific point or location, usually without stopping or giving much attention to the surroundings or any potential obstacles in the path.
"Rush past" typically implies a sense of urgency or haste, as individuals hasten their movement to get somewhere quickly. It suggests a strong desire to reach a certain destination or complete a task in a timely manner without allowing any interruptions or distractions to impede progress.
The phrase can be used in a literal sense, where someone physically moves swiftly past an object, place, or person. For instance, in a crowded hallway, individuals might rush past each other to get to their desired location. Metaphorically, "rush past" can indicate disregarding or neglecting certain aspects or individuals in pursuit of one's goals or objectives, often resulting in an unintentional oversight or lack of attention to details.
Overall, "rush past" encompasses the idea of quick and hurried movement, with a focus on reaching a specific destination or completing a task efficiently and promptly. It denotes a sense of urgency and often implies a disregard for potential distractions or obstacles that might hinder progress.
The etymology of the phrase "rush past" can be traced back to the Old English language. Here is a breakdown of the components:
1. Rush: The word "rush" originated from the Old English word "riscan" which means "to rush, to make a sudden movement". It can also be associated with the Middle Dutch word "rossen" and the Old Norse word "rusa", both of which carry similar meanings.
2. Past: The word "past" has roots in the Middle English language, particularly from the word "passen" which means "to go by, pass". It further stems from the Old English word "passan" and the Latin word "passus", both indicating movement or passing from one place to another.
Thus, "rush past" emerged as a combination of these two words, signifying a rapid movement that goes by or passes someone or something.
