ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lord it over

idiom
Meaning

To behave as if one is in control of; to make a display of having an advantage over or superiority to.


Origin

disputed origin

From lord over.

Examples
SIMPLE

He likes to lord it over his younger brother.

CONTEXTUAL

She got a promotion and now she tries to lord it over everyone in the office.

COMPLEX

Despite his lack of actual authority, he continued to lord it over his colleagues, creating a tense and resentful atmosphere in the department.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    lord of gingerbread

    One who is showy but lacking substance or real authority.

  2. 02

    lord of the flies

    a ruler over a worthless kingdom; leader of a meaningless microcosm.

  3. 03

    Lord willing and the creek don't rise

    Barring unforeseen circumstances.

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