# my way or the highway

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/my-way-or-the-highway
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Your only options are to either do as I say or leave.

## Examples

- He is difficult because it is always his way or the highway.
- The manager refused to listen to our suggestions, telling the team it was his way or the highway.
- The director maintained a strict policy of his way or the highway, which eventually caused many of his most talented employees to resign.

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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.