exercise power over

exercise power over (someone or something)

To assert control or authority over someone or something. Even though we're adults now, my sister still tries to exercise power over me like I'm a little kid. Even though he's left the White House, he still acts like he can exercise power over foreign and domestic enemies. Actually, I can exercise power over you and tell you when to go to bed—Mom and Dad left me in charge!

See also: exercise, over, power

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

exercise power over

someone or something and exercise control over someone or something; exercise influence over someone or something to have someone or something under one's control or influence. The dictator exercised power over the island for many years. See if you can exercise some control over your appetite. I wish I could exercise some influence over the committee.

See also: exercise, over, power

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.