Lord it over
Meaning
To behave in a superior and domineering manner towards others, often in an arrogant way.
Origin
The word "lord" has roots stretching back to Old English, signifying a master, ruler, or head of a household, embodying the ultimate authority in a feudal society. By the 17th century, the phrase "lord it over" crystallized to describe someone who, perhaps without true aristocratic title, nonetheless acted with the same domineering and often arrogant air of a feudal superior. It perfectly captured the everyday human tendency to assert undue authority and demand subservience, essentially transforming the noun of power into an active, often critical, verb for bossy behavior.
Examples
- After getting promoted, he started to lord it over his former colleagues, making everyone uncomfortable.
- She was tired of her older brother constantly trying to lord it over her, telling her what to do and how to live.