boss
Related to boss: Bose
boss
slang Excellent; outstanding. We're really going to the concert? Wow, that's boss— thank you, Mom! That's a boss car, my man. You're riding in style!
boss (one) about
To tell one what to do. This phrase is often used to emphasize that someone's behavior is controlling and unwarranted. You can't boss me about just because Mom isn't here! My friend at work got promoted, so now he thinks he can boss me about.
See also: boss
boss (one) around
To tell one what to do. This phrase is often used to emphasize someone's behavior as controlling and/or unwarranted. You can't boss me around just because Mom isn't here! My friend at work got promoted, so now he thinks he can boss me around.
See also: around, boss
boss lady
The most powerful woman in a particular setting. A: "Should we set these tables up here?" B: "I don't know, ask the boss lady."
See also: boss, lady
boss man
The most powerful man in a particular setting. A: "Should we set these tables up here?" B: "I don't know, ask the boss man."
See also: boss, man
boss up
slang To begin to act or approach something with resolve, determination, and all of one's effort. If I really wanted that promotion, I knew I was going to have to boss up. You'll need to start bossing up if you want to get your idea off the ground.
See also: boss, up
girlboss
A confident, capable woman who pursues her own ambitions instead of working for others or otherwise settling in life. (Despite the name, a girlboss does not necessarily have her own business.) The phrase was popularized by Sophia Amoruso, founder of the fashion company Nasty Gal. Why are you still working in this dead-end job? You need to be more of a girlboss and take control of your life.
it's/that's boss
slang Something is excellent or outstanding. We're really going to the concert? Wow, that's boss— thank you, Mom! A: "Like my new car?" B: "Oh yeah, it's boss. You're riding in style, my man!"
See also: boss
show (one) who's boss
To demonstrate authority or dominance over one so that it is clearly recognized, especially by means of defeat or some form of subjugation. You can't keep letting your employees walk all over you like that. You need to show them who's boss. You saw what their players said about us on Twitter. Let's go out there and show them who's boss in this conference.
See also: boss, show
straw boss
A mid-level or junior supervisor with minimal authority over others. My official title was kitchen manager, but I was really just a straw boss since I couldn't do more than schedule shifts and order supplies. She's nothing more than a straw boss, but Janet acts like she runs the place now.
See also: boss, straw
who died and made you boss
slang A set phrase used to express frustration with another's bossiness. A: "You have to clean your room and take out the trash before you go out tonight." B: "Geez, who died and made you boss?" Who died and made you boss? Quit telling me what to do!
See also: and, boss, die, made, who
you heard (one)
One was clear in one's instructions or commands, so don't complain or argue and just do what one said. A: "I want this whole house cleaned from top to bottom before you go!" B: "What? Aw, come on—that's not fair!" A: "You heard me. Now get moving!" You heard the boss—either do the work you're paid to do, or get out!
See also: hear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
boss someone around
to give orders to someone; to keep telling someone what to do. Stop bossing me around. I'm not your employee. Captain Smith bosses around the whole crew. That's his job.
See also: around, boss
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
boss around
Tell someone what to do, give orders. For example, David complained that his older sister was always bossing him around. The use of boss in the sense of "to dominate" dates from the mid-1800s, and around was added a few decades later.
See also: around, boss
straw boss
A subordinate boss, a worker who supervises other workers as well as performing regular duties. For example, Jim was pleased when he was promoted to straw boss. This term alludes to the person's position as a straw man, that is, a front or cover for the real boss and of only nominal importance. [Late 1800s]
See also: boss, straw
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
show someone who's boss
make it clear that it is yourself who is in charge.See also: boss, show, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
show somebody who’s ˈboss
make it clear to somebody that you have more power and authority than they have: I think it’s time we showed these people who’s boss, don’t you?See also: boss, show, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
boss around
v.
To give someone orders in a forceful and unpleasant way: My older brothers and sisters are always bossing me around. What gives you the right to boss around everyone on the playground?
See also: around, boss
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
boss
mod. excellent; powerful; superior. That is a boss tune.
boss dick
n. a cop; a police officer. (see also dick = detective.) The boss dick slugged me in the face and said I should be more careful.
See also: boss, dick
boss lady
n. the woman in charge. You’ll have to ask the boss lady.
See also: boss, lady
boss man
n. the man in charge. I guess the boss man is about ready to retire.
See also: boss, man
straw boss
n. a foreman; anyone who is second in command. I don’t mind being a straw boss as long as they pay me.
See also: boss, straw
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- boss man
- too many cooks spoil the broth
- too many cooks spoil the soup
- too many cooks spoil the stew
- boss lady
- (someone) is not going to thank you for (something)
- (someone) won't thank you for (something)
- aggro
- in the first place and in the first instance