show who's boss
To demonstrate oneself to be dominant; to show that one has the upper hand.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The new manager wants to show who's boss.”
“After the team ignored his instructions for a week, the supervisor held a meeting to show who's boss.”
“The veteran captain felt compelled to show who's boss during the crisis, asserting his authority to restore order among the panicked crew.”
- 01
dog and pony show
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.
- 02
get the show on the road
To begin or launch; to get going.
- 03
have something to show for something
To have (some profit, reward, benefit, etc.) as a result of (one's work, expenditure, etc.)
- 04
horror show
A horrifying, appalling, or sickening experience, set of events, or visual spectacle.
- 05
keep the show on the road
To be able to proceed with a plan or project, often in the face of difficult circumstances.
- 06
make a show of oneself
To embarrass oneself or others in public.
- 07
run the show
To be the leader, to be in charge.
- 08
show a clean pair of heels
To run away; to make an escape quickly.
Last updated August 10, 2026