ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stick it to

idiom
Meaning

To assert one's power in an attempt to get revenge or prove a point; to show who's boss.


Examples
SIMPLE

He wants to stick it to his boss by quitting today.

CONTEXTUAL

The small company lowered its prices to stick it to the giant corporation that tried to buy them out.

COMPLEX

By refusing to sign the unfair contract, the workers hoped to stick it to the management and force a better negotiation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat off with a stick

    To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).

  2. 02

    beat with the ugly stick

    Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.

  3. 03

    carrot and stick

    The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.

  4. 04

    clue stick

    A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.

  5. 05

    get on the stick

    To get started; to begin working; to become active.

  6. 06

    get stuck in

    To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.

  7. 07

    hit with the stupid stick

    Used to describe someone who is stupid or unintelligent.

  8. 08

    holy crap on a stick

    Emphatic form of holy crap.

Last updated April 17, 2026