# stick it to the man

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stick-it-to-the-man
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government (on a large scale) or individual leaders and authorities like teachers, bosses, police, or politicians.

## Examples

- He quit his job to stick it to the man.
- The students organized a protest against the new school rules to stick it to the man.
- By refusing to follow the company's exploitative policies, the employees felt they were finally sticking it to the man.

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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.