wear the trousers

Related to wear the trousers: wear thin

wear the trousers

To be in charge in a relationship or family. The phrase is typically applied to a woman. Trousers were historically only worn by men, who were traditionally the decision makers. I think it's pretty obvious who wears the trousers in that family—Grandma Helene. Actually, in our relationship, we both wear the trousers—we make decisions together.
See also: trouser, wear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wear the trousers

BRITISH or

wear the pants

If one person in a couple wears the trousers or wears the pants, they make all the important decisions. She may give the impression that she wears the trousers but it's actually Tim who makes all the big decisions. My father said he wanted to discuss the investment with my mother, to which the salesman demanded, `Who wears the pants in your family?' Note: This expression is usually used about women who seem to control their husbands or partners.
See also: trouser, wear
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

wear the trousers

be the dominant partner in a marriage or the dominant person in a household. informal
See also: trouser, wear
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

wear the ˈtrousers

(British English) (American English wear the ˈpants) (often disapproving) (especially of a woman) be the partner in a marriage who makes the decisions and tells the other person what to do: It’s not difficult to see who wears the trousers in their house!
See also: trouser, wear
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • wear the
  • wear the britches
  • wear the pants
  • wear the pants, to
  • Who wears the trousers?
  • I am (someone), hear me (do something)
  • drop (one's) trousers
  • drop your trousers
  • eggs is eggs
  • (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)
References in periodicals archive
Far from taking offence, the great man replied: "Dear boy, " he said."I wear the trousers in our house.
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Her latest follows an oligarch's mega-rise from extreme Soviet poverty and the two women, one British and one Russian, who really wear the trousers.
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One fan said: 'She might try to wear the trousers, but there's no doubt Beckham likes toshow he's the man in the relationship.'
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Still, I know who would wear the trousers in the Oval Office, and it's not the one who can't keep them on.
COMEBACK gal Hillary
6 He told Brigit it was his turn to wear the trousers - ouch.
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The biggest name in the game being banned for not wearing a plastic pass, women being banned from courses because they're not allowed to wear the trousers, and panicking security staff watching out for all manner of streakers and impostors.
Voice Of The Scottish Daily Mirror: The silly season