lord it over: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "rule the roost" is related to the phrase "lord it over". Both idioms convey the idea of someone exerting power and control over others. While "lord it over" emphasizes the domineering and superior manner in which the person asserts their authority, "rule the roost" specifically refers to someone being in charge and having complete control over a particular situation or group of people.

When someone "rules the roost," they are the ones who make the decisions and have the final say. They are the ones who set the rules and expectations, and others are expected to follow their lead. This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as a family where a parent "rules the roost" by establishing and enforcing the household rules, or in a workplace where a manager "rules the roost" by guiding and directing the employees.

Although "rule the roost" and "lord it over" have slightly different nuances, they share the common theme of someone exerting power and control over others. Both idioms imply a sense of authority, dominance, and superiority. The person who "rules the roost" or "lords it over" others enjoys displaying and asserting their control, often without considering the perspectives or input of those being dominated.

Another related idiom is "look down upon". This idiom further emphasizes the superior and condescending attitude of the person exerting control. When someone "looks down upon" others, they view them as inferior or unworthy. They often have a disdainful or contemptuous attitude towards those they consider beneath them. This idiom can be used to describe someone who belittles or dismisses others based on their social status, intelligence, or any other perceived inferior qualities. The expression "look down upon" helps to convey the negative impact and emotional toll that "lording it over" or "ruling the roost" can have on those who are being oppressed or dominated.

Similarly, the idiom "walk over" is related to "lord it over" and signifies the act of treating someone with complete disregard or disrespect. When someone "walks over" others, they take advantage of their position of power to exploit and mistreat them. This idiom highlights the imbalance in power dynamics and the lack of consideration or empathy from the person exerting control. It suggests that they have no regard for the feelings or rights of those being walked over, further emphasizing the oppressive nature of "lording it over" or "ruling the roost".

Lastly, the idiom "look down on" is closely related to "lord it over" in that it conveys a sense of superiority and contempt towards others. When someone "looks down on" others, they view them with disdain or scorn. They consider themselves to be better or superior in some way, and they consequently treat others as inferior. This idiom captures the arrogant and haughty behavior exhibited by someone who "lords it over" or "rules the roost". It emphasizes the negative impact of their actions on those who are being looked down upon, further highlighting the oppressive and unfair nature of their behavior.

It is important to recognize the negative implications and consequences of "lording it over" or "ruling the roost" in interpersonal relationships and workplace dynamics. These idioms reflect power imbalances and the misuse of authority. They suggest that the person who exerts control does so in a domineering and oppressive manner, disregarding the rights and feelings of others. These idioms serve as reminders to strive for equality, empathy, and respectful treatment of others in all aspects of life.