throw (one's) weight 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.

See also: around, throw, weight

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.

See also: around, throw, weight

throw one's weight around

Wield power or authority, especially in a heavy-handed way. For example, One doesn't make oneself popular by throwing one's weight around. [Colloquial; early 1900s]

See also: around, throw, weight

throw your weight around

BRITISH, AMERICAN or

throw your weight about

BRITISH

COMMON 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.

See also: around, throw, weight

throw your ˈweight about/around

(informal) use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to get what you want: He started throwing his weight around, shouting at everyone and telling them what to do.

See also: around, throw, weight

throw (one's) weight around

Slang

To use power or authority, especially in an excessive or heavy-handed way.

See also: around, throw, weight