boss (one) around
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
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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
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 around
- boss (one) about
- order (one) around
- order around
- order someone about
- order about
- order (one) about
- brag
- brag about
- brag about (someone or something)