# boss around

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/boss-around
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to tell someone what to do in an annoying way, as if you are their manager.

For teachers: to exercise control over another person in a domineering or overbearing manner; typically used to describe informal social dynamics rather than official hierarchies.

## Examples

- Stop trying to boss me around all the time.
- The older children often try to boss around the younger ones on the playground.
- Even though she had no formal authority, she frequently attempted to boss around her colleagues, leading to significant tension within the department.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He bosses around me." but "He bosses me around." — when the object is a pronoun like 'me' or 'him', it must go between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- usually carries a negative connotation of being rude or controlling.
- Teaching tip: point out that this is often used with 'stop' or 'don't' in imperatives; the object can go between 'boss' and 'around' or after 'around' unless it is a pronoun.

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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.