θroʊ wʌnz weɪt əˈraʊnd
Work
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Using physical weight to dominate
What does "throw one's weight around" mean?
- To act in an authoritarian or bossy way
- To misuse one's power or influence
Examples
- The new manager likes to throw his weight around.
- Stop throwing your weight around and listen to others.
- She throws her weight around because of her family connections.
Origin
From physical dominance—using body weight to push others around. Extended to using status or power inappropriately.
How to use it
Always negative—implies abuse of power. Common in workplace descriptions.
Similar expressions
be bossy
bully
dominate
pull rank
lord it over
Opposites
be humble
collaborate
respect others
Related idioms
- hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is true or important
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- have one's hands full
To be very busy with something
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "throw one's weight around" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.