Authority is a significant aspect of human interactions, affecting various spheres such as politics, business, and personal relationships. Understanding idioms that describe authority can enhance your communication skills, making your expressions more vivid and impactful. Here are 20 idioms that describe authority, along with their meanings and example sentences.
Idioms That Describe Authority
1. Call the Shots
Meaning: To be in charge or control.
Example: The manager calls the shots in this project.
2. Lay Down the Law
Meaning: To enforce rules strictly.
Example: The teacher laid down the law about cheating.
3. Wear the Pants
Meaning: To be the dominant partner in a relationship.
Example: She wears the pants in their marriage.
4. Pull Rank
Meaning: To use one’s superior position to get what they want.
Example: He pulled rank to get the best office.
5. Top Dog
Meaning: The most important person in a group.
Example: He’s the top dog in the company now.
6. Rule the Roost
Meaning: To be the person who makes all the decisions in a group.
Example: She rules the roost at home.
7. Call the Tune
Meaning: To dictate how things should be done.
Example: He who pays the piper calls the tune.
8. Hold the Reins
Meaning: To be in control of something.
Example: She holds the reins of the family business.
9. King of the Hill
Meaning: The person who is currently at the top of their game.
Example: He’s the king of the hill in sales.
10. Take the Helm
Meaning: To assume control of a group or organization.
Example: She took the helm after the CEO retired.
11. Call the Shots
Meaning: To be the one who makes the decisions.
Example: In this deal, he calls the shots.
12. Lay Down the Law
Meaning: To assert authority, often strictly.
Example: The new manager laid down the law on punctuality.
13. Be in the Driver’s Seat
Meaning: To be in control of a situation.
Example: After the promotion, she’s in the driver’s seat.
14. Run the Show
Meaning: To be in charge of an event or operation.
Example: She runs the show at the office.
15. Call the Tune
Meaning: To be in a position of control.
Example: He who pays the piper calls the tune.
16. Take the Reins
Meaning: To take control of a situation.
Example: He took the reins of the project after the leader left.
17. Rule with an Iron Fist
Meaning: To rule with absolute control and strictness.
Example: The dictator ruled with an iron fist.
18. Be the Head Honcho
Meaning: The person in charge; the leader.
Example: He’s the head honcho at the tech startup.
19. Lead the Charge
Meaning: To take initiative in a task or activity.
Example: She led the charge in the campaign for better working conditions.
20. Be at the Helm
Meaning: To be in charge of a company or organization.
Example: He is at the helm of the new project.
