throw (one's) weight around
(redirected from throwing their weights around)throw (one's) weight around
To assert oneself in a controlling, domineering, or authoritarian manner; to exercise one's position of authority, power, or influence, especially to an overbearing or excessive degree. I'm sick of Don coming into these meetings and throwing his weight around. Can't he just leave us to our own devices? You can expect the big industries to throw their weight around in order to influence the regulations.
throw one's weight around
Fig. to attempt to boss people around; to give orders. The district manager came to our office and tried to throw his weight around, but no one paid any attention to him. Don't try to throw your weight around in this office. We know who our boss is.
throw your weight around
BRITISH, AMERICAN orthrow your weight about
BRITISHCOMMON If someone throws their weight around or about, they behave aggressively and use their authority over other people more forcefully than they need to. Some people regarded him as a bully who was inclined to throw his weight around. As a Party boss he used to throw his weight about.
throw (one's) weight around
Slang To use power or authority, especially in an excessive or heavy-handed way.