throw weight around
Related to throw weight around: give a shot, worse for wear, so much for, throw weight behind
throw (one's) weight around
To assert oneself in a controlling, domineering, or authoritarian manner; to exercise one's position of authority, power, or influence, especially to an overbearing or excessive degree. I'm sick of Don coming into these meetings and throwing his weight around. Can't he just leave us to our own devices? You can expect the big industries to throw their weight around in order to influence the regulations.
See also: around, throw, weight
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
throw one's weight around
Fig. to attempt to boss people around; to give orders. The district manager came to our office and tried to throw his weight around, but no one paid any attention to him. Don't try to throw your weight around in this office. We know who our boss is.
See also: around, throw, weight
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
throw your ˈweight about/around
(informal) use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to get what you want: He started throwing his weight around, shouting at everyone and telling them what to do.See also: around, throw, weight
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
throw (one's) weight around
Slang To use power or authority, especially in an excessive or heavy-handed way.
See also: around, throw, weight
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
throw one's weight around, to
To use one’s wealth or standing to manipulate others; to act officiously. This expression dates from the early twentieth century and uses weight in the sense of “authority.” John P. Marquand had it in H. M. Pulham, Esquire (1941): “Bo-jo was a bastard, a big bastard. Perhaps he meant that Bo-jo sometimes threw his weight around.”
See also: throw, weight
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- push (one's) weight about
- push (one's) weight around
- throw (one's) weight about
- throw (one's) weight around
- throw one’s weight around
- throw one's weight around
- throw your weight about
- throw your weight about/around
- throw your weight around
- comfortable in (one's) own skin