lord it over
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): - To behave in a domineering, arrogant, or superior manner toward someone; to act as if one has authority or power over others and to make them feel inferior.
Usage
This phrasal verb describes the act of asserting dominance in a way that is often unpleasant, boastful, or oppressive. It implies an abuse of perceived power or status. It is typically used in continuous tenses or past tenses to describe ongoing or completed behavior. - It is followed by the preposition "over" and then the person or group being dominated. - The pronoun "it" is a fixed part of this idiom and does not change.
Examples
- Ever since his promotion, he has been lording it over his former colleagues.
- The older children shouldn't lord it over the younger ones in the playground.
- She resented the way the new manager lorded it over the entire department.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can sometimes imply that the authority being flaunted is not entirely legitimate or is being exaggerated.
- He doesn't own the company; he's just a supervisor lording it over everyone.
Variants and Related Words
- Domineer (verb): To rule over or control arbitrarily or arrogantly.
- Tyrannize (verb): To exercise absolute power, especially cruelly or oppressively.
- Boss around (phrasal verb, informal): To give orders to someone in an overbearing way.
Synonyms
- Domineer over
- Rule over (in a domineering way)
- Pull rank on
- Look down on
Related Idioms
- Throw one's weight around: To use one's authority or influence in a forceful or bullying way.
- The senior partner is always throwing his weight around the office.
Verb
- act like the master of
- He is lording it over the students