ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have one's way

idiom
Meaning

To obtain the circumstances one wishes for; to do what one wishes to do, or to have others do what one wishes them to do.


Examples
SIMPLE

The child always wants to have his way.

CONTEXTUAL

She is very stubborn and usually manages to have her way in every argument.

COMPLEX

Despite the team's collective objections, the manager insisted on having his way with the project's final direction.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

Last updated July 12, 2026