boss
slang Excellent; outstanding. We're really going to the concert? Wow, that's boss—thank you, Mom! That's a boss car, my man. You're riding in style! Whoa, that's boss! Thank you so much for upgrading us to first class!
boss (one) about
To tell one what to do. This phrase is often used to emphasize that someone's behavior is controlling and unwarranted. You can't boss me about just because Mom isn't here! My friend at work got promoted, so now he thinks he can boss me about. Josh is always bossing me about and trying to micromanage my every move—it's so annoying.
boss (one) around
To tell one what to do. This phrase is often used to emphasize someone's behavior as controlling and/or unwarranted. You can't boss me around just because Mom isn't here! My friend at work got promoted, so now he thinks he can boss me around. Josh is always bossing me around and trying to micromanage my every move—it's so annoying.
boss lady
The most powerful woman in a particular setting. A: "Should we set these tables up here?" B: "I don't know, ask the boss lady." Hey, the boss lady said we have to wait for everyone else here. As far as I know, the boss lady hasn't picked a font yet, so hold off on doing that pamphlet.
boss man
The most powerful man in a particular setting. A: "Should we set these tables up here?" B: "I don't know, ask the boss man." Hey, the boss man said we have to wait for everyone else here. As far as I know, the boss man hasn't picked a font yet, so hold off on printing that pamphlet.
boss up
slang To begin to act or approach something with resolve, determination, and all of one's effort. If I really wanted that promotion, I knew I was going to have to boss up. You'll need to start bossing up if you want to get your idea off the ground. We'll have to boss up to get these big-time investors to take us seriously.
girlboss
A confident, capable woman who pursues her own ambitions instead of working for others or otherwise settling in life. (Despite the name, a girlboss does not necessarily have her own business.) The phrase was popularized by Sophia Amoruso, founder of the fashion company Nasty Gal. Why are you still working in this dead-end job? You need to be more of a girlboss and take control of your life. I don't want to be a #girlboss—I just want to work in the office and be done with it all at 5:00 PM! I came out of college with aspirations of being a girlboss, but I struggled to secure funding for my business.
I'm the boss, applesauce.
childish A jocular, possibly belittling assertion of one's role or position of authority. Popularized by the television show and personality "Judge Judy." A: "But I just think—" B: "Listen, I'm the boss, applesauce. If I say that the deal is not going ahead, then that's the end of the conversation, OK?" I'm the boss, applesauce. That mean you have to do what I say. I know you don't like this contract, but I'm the boss, applesauce—and I'm signing it.
it's/that's boss
slang Something is excellent or outstanding. We're really going to the concert? Wow, that's boss— thank you, Mom! A: "Like my new car?" B: "Oh yeah, it's boss. You're riding in style, my man!"
show (one) who's boss
To demonstrate authority or dominance over one so that it is clearly recognized, especially by means of defeat or some form of subjugation. You can't keep letting your employees walk all over you like that. You need to show them who's boss. You saw what their players said about us on Twitter. Let's go out there and show them who's boss in this conference.
straw boss
A mid-level or junior supervisor with minimal authority over others. My official title was kitchen manager, but I was really just a straw boss since I couldn't do more than schedule shifts and order supplies. She's nothing more than a straw boss, but Janet acts like she runs the place now.
Who died and made you (the) boss?
cliché Used to express frustration with or annoyance at someone's bossy attitude or behavior. A: "You have to clean your room and take out the trash before you go out tonight." B: "Geez, who died and made you boss?" Who died and made you the boss? Quit telling me what to do!
you heard (one)
One was clear in one's instructions or commands, so don't complain or argue and just do what one said. A: "I want this whole house cleaned from top to bottom before you go!" B: "What? Aw, come on—that's not fair!" A: "You heard me. Now get moving!" You heard the boss—either do the work you're paid to do, or get out!
you're the boss
You're the one whose opinion or decision matters; you're in charge. A: "Sorry, could you actually install the new heater on the other side of the room?" B: "You're the boss."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.