ENGLISH
REFERENCE

show who's boss

idiom
Meaning

To demonstrate oneself to be dominant; to show that one has the upper hand.


Examples
SIMPLE

The new manager wants to show who's boss.

CONTEXTUAL

After the team ignored his instructions for a week, the supervisor held a meeting to show who's boss.

COMPLEX

The veteran captain felt compelled to show who's boss during the crisis, asserting his authority to restore order among the panicked crew.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    dog and pony show

    Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.

  2. 02

    get the show on the road

    To begin or launch; to get going.

  3. 03

    have something to show for something

    To have (some profit, reward, benefit, etc.) as a result of (one's work, expenditure, etc.)

  4. 04

    horror show

    A horrifying, appalling, or sickening experience, set of events, or visual spectacle.

  5. 05

    keep the show on the road

    To be able to proceed with a plan or project, often in the face of difficult circumstances.

  6. 06

    make a show of oneself

    To embarrass oneself or others in public.

  7. 07

    run the show

    To be the leader, to be in charge.

  8. 08

    show a clean pair of heels

    To run away; to make an escape quickly.

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