run roughshod
Verb phrase: - To act or proceed in a domineering, overbearing, or harsh manner, completely disregarding the feelings, rights, or wishes of others. It implies a total lack of consideration or restraint.
This phrase is used to describe situations where a person, group, or entity exercises power or authority without any regard for opposition, rules, or consequences. It often carries a critical or negative connotation, highlighting the arrogance or tyranny of the action.
- The new manager ran roughshod over the team's established procedures, implementing his own without any discussion.
- The developers ran roughshod over local environmental regulations to complete the project on schedule.
- You cannot just run roughshod over people's opinions and expect them to remain loyal.
- The phrase often appears in political, social, or corporate contexts to criticize unilateral and oppressive actions.
- It can be used with the prepositions "over" or "through" to specify what or who is being disregarded (e.g., to run roughshod objections, a delicate ecosystem).
- Ride roughshod over: This is a less common but perfectly synonymous variant of the phrase. The meaning is identical.
- The corporation was accused of riding roughshod over the community's concerns.
- Trample (on/over): To treat with contempt or disregard.
- Bulldoze: To force one's way through opposition.
- Steamroller: To overwhelm or crush opposition with sheer force.
The phrase originates from the practice of fitting horseshoes with protruding nails or "roughshod" shoes for better traction on ice. A horse shod this way would leave deep, damaging marks on roads and could trample things underfoot without care, leading to the figurative meaning of acting in a crushing, inconsiderate manner.
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treat inconsiderately or harshly
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