# have one's way with

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-ones-way-with
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To engage (as the more active or dominant partner) in sexual intercourse with, especially without the consent of one's partner; rape.

## Examples

- The villain threatened to have his way with the captive.
- In the dark alley, the attacker forced the victim to the ground and threatened to have his way with her.
- The historical account describes how the conquering soldiers terrorized the village, threatening to have their way with the women who remained behind.

---

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.
