flex muscles

flex (one's) muscle(s)

1. Literally, to contract one's muscles, especially to demonstrate their size and strength. He's so vain, flexing his muscles in the mirror whenever he thinks no one is looking. She flexed her muscles and told us not to mess with her brother again.
2. By extension, to demonstrate one's influence, power, or strength. The small but outspoken nation has been flexing its muscles lately, with a wide range of military demonstrations. The wealthy business tycoon flexed his muscle to get the charges dropped against his son.
See also: flex
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

flex (one's) muscles

Informal
To exhibit or show off one's strength.
See also: flex, muscle
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • flex
  • flex (one's) muscle(s)
  • flex one's muscles
  • flex your muscles
  • muscle up
  • glutes
  • yokes
  • beer muscles
  • muscle
  • limber up
References in periodicals archive
Why flex muscles over a policy that has been implemented by the other party for the App Store, and has been agreed to by hundreds of app developers?
The pettiness is over; Microsoft SkyDrive is now back on Apple App Store
'The GCC forces do not flex muscles or impose a threat on any country, but rather it is a force of stability and peace in the region and the whole world, as it is led by wise peace-loving leaders,' he said.
Peninsula Shield-9 war games concluded in Kuwait
Stretching and yawning may be a way to flex muscles and joints, increase heart rate, and feel more awake.
Q&A
The traditionally cold winter weather will flex muscles again and show its full potential after February 22-23.
Bulgaria in for Cooler Weather after Record-Highs
Brody imposes himself physically on the film, losing his shirt to flex muscles in the climactic showdown, but there is no emotional component to the role and he delivers the leaden dialogue in a monotonous growl.
Predators; Switch ON NEW TO BUY ON DVD
Brody imposes himself physically on the film, losing his shirt to flex muscles in the climactic showdown, but like his co-stars, he sweats and snarls profusely in a thankless two-dimensional role.
Dreadlocked alien warriors return; PREDATORS (15, 106 MINS) 4/10
Brody imposes himself physically, losing his shirt to flex muscles in the climactic showdown, but like his co-stars, he sweats and snarls profusely in a thankless two-dimensional role.
film reviews
Neither does it flex muscles to any great degree, so it follows that it's not going to get the adrenaline pumping.
French stretch star supermini for a Sport Tourer de force; Val Jessop tests the latest Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 86 Sport Tourer