ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rule the roost

idiom
Meaning

To be the controlling member(s) of a family, organization, or other group.


Examples
SIMPLE

In their house, the youngest child seems to rule the roost.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though he is not the official manager, he clearly rules the roost in that office.

COMPLEX

Despite the presence of several senior partners, the ambitious junior associate effectively ruled the roost during the high-stakes negotiations.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as a rule

    In general; most often.

  2. 02

    bright-line rule

    A clear-cut rule, so that it is easy to make a decision.

  3. 03

    cock of the roost

    A proud or conceited person.

  4. 04

    come home to roost

    To have negative consequences (of an action in the past).

  5. 05

    golden rule

    A fundamental rule or principle.

  6. 06

    ground rule

    The basic rules or standards; basic principles.

  7. 07

    rule in

    To consider (something) as a possible option among others.

  8. 08

    rule of thumb

    A general guideline, rather than a strict rule; an approximate measure or means of reckoning based on experience or common knowledge.

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