bend someone’s will: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bend someone's will’ mean?
The idiom "bend someone's will" means to successfully persuade or influence someone to do what you want, often through force or manipulation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "Jedi mind trick" refers to a manipulative technique, inspired by the Star Wars franchise, that involves using persuasive tactics or psychological strategies to influence or control someone's thoughts, beliefs, or actions.
The idiom "hold sway" means to have control, power, or influence over something or someone. It suggests a dominant authority that exerts its influence and maintains its position.
The idiom "have one's way with" means to have complete control or dominance over someone or something, often in a manipulative or overpowering manner.
The idiom "have one's way" means to get what one wants or to have things done according to one's own preference, often by exerting control or influence over others.
The idiom "have it your way" means to allow someone to do or have something exactly as they want, without any compromises or objections from others.
The idiom "have a way with" means to possess a natural skill or talent for dealing with or influencing others in a particular area or situation.
This idiom means to change one's opinion or support in order to align with the majority, often due to perceived benefits or social pressure.
The idiom "give someone to understand" means to make someone believe or think that something is true, usually by implying or suggesting it indirectly.
The idiom "get one's way" means to achieve what one wants or desires, usually by using persuasion, manipulation, or assertiveness.
Unleashing Inner Influence
The idiom "bend someone's will" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It refers to persuading or convincing someone to do something by exerting influence or authority to make them comply with one's wishes. The phrase implies the exertion of power or control over another individual to make them submit to one's desires or demands.
This idiom can be traced back to the concept of bending, which means altering the shape or position of something. In this case, the idiom uses the notion of bending to illustrate the idea of exerting pressure on someone's will or mindset, essentially shaping or altering their inclination towards a particular course of action.
The word "will" in this idiom refers to a person's volition or determination, indicating their capacity to make choices or decisions. By bending someone's will, individuals aim to manipulate or influence the decision-making process of others, potentially leading them to act in a manner that aligns with their own objectives.
The idioms "bend to one's will", "bend to someone's will", and "change someone's mind" are related to the idiom "bend someone's will". Each of these idioms emphasizes the act of influencing or persuading someone to conform to one's desires or demands. While they may have slightly different connotations, they all involve exerting control or dominance over another individual's decision-making process.
When we say someone "bends to their will", we mean that person easily and willingly complies with the desires or demands of another. It suggests a submissive or accommodating nature, where the person is highly influenced by the other individual's wishes and readily alters their behavior or actions to meet those expectations.
The phrase "bend to someone's will" carries a similar meaning but places emphasis on the power dynamics at play. It suggests that one person exerts dominance or authority over another, compelling them to submit to their desires or demands. The person whose will is being bent may initially resist or oppose, but ultimately succumbs to the persuasive tactics or influence of the more dominant individual.
The idiom "change someone's mind" is closely related to "bend someone's will" as well. It refers to the act of persuading or convincing someone to alter their opinion or stance on a particular matter. While it doesn't involve the same level of dominance or authority as "bend someone's will", it still implies the use of persuasive tactics to influence another person's decision-making process.
These idioms all highlight the complexities of human interactions and the power dynamics that can exist between individuals. They suggest the ability to shape or alter someone's mindset and behavior through the use of varying degrees of influence, authority, and persuasion.
Whether it is through the forceful exertion of power or the subtle art of persuasion, the idioms "bend someone's will", "bend to one's will", "bend to someone's will", and "change someone's mind" all capture the essence of influencing or persuading another person to act in accordance with one's desires or wishes.
While these idioms are often used in negative contexts that imply manipulation or coercion, it is important to note that they can also be employed in more positive scenarios where one person's influence or persuasion benefits the other person or leads to a mutually beneficial outcome.
Overall, these idioms highlight the intricacies of human relationships and the various ways in which individuals can exert their influence over one another. They demonstrate the power of language and communication in shaping the thoughts, actions, and decisions of others.
As an experienced Editor for HubSpot, it is important to recognize and understand the nuances of these idioms in order to effectively communicate ideas and concepts. By following AP style and consistently improving articles to enhance their clarity, readability, and effectiveness, you can ensure that your work resonates with your well-informed audience and conveys information in a concise and engaging manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "bend someone's will" can be used in a sentence:
- She used her persuasive skills to bend her boss's will and get the promotion she wanted.
- The dictator employed various tactics to bend the will of his people and maintain control.
- Despite initial resistance, the teacher managed to bend her students' will and get them excited about learning.
More "Manipulation" idioms
