# control over sb/sth

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/control-over-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the way something happens.

## Examples

- The manager has full control over the daily schedule.
- She struggled to maintain control over the noisy classroom, so she decided to change her teaching strategy.
- The government sought to exert greater control over the national economy by implementing strict new regulations on trade and banking.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.