Power is a fundamental aspect of human interactions and society. Understanding and using expressions related to power can enhance your communication skills, making your speech more impactful and precise. Here are 20 powerful expressions to boost your vocabulary and command over language.
1. Pull the strings
Meaning: Control from behind
Example: She pulls the strings in the company.
2. Call the shots
Meaning: Make decisions
Example: In this team, he calls the shots.
3. Hold the reins
Meaning: Have control
Example: She holds the reins in this project.
4. Carry weight
Meaning: Be influential
Example: His opinion carries weight in meetings.
5. Take the helm
Meaning: Lead or control
Example: She took the helm of the organization.
6. Rule the roost
Meaning: Be in charge
Example: He rules the roost at home.
7. Wield power
Meaning: Exercise authority
Example: She wields power with confidence.
8. Hold sway
Meaning: Dominate or control
Example: He holds sway over the board members.
9. Call the tune
Meaning: Decide how things are done
Example: She calls the tune in our department.
10. Sit in the driver’s seat
Meaning: Be in control
Example: He’s now sitting in the driver’s seat.
11. Bend the rules
Meaning: Modify rules
Example: She often bends the rules to benefit her team.
12. Crack the whip
Meaning: Enforce discipline
Example: He had to crack the whip to meet deadlines.
13. Top the pecking order
Meaning: Be most powerful
Example: She tops the pecking order in the office.
14. Run the show
Meaning: Be in charge
Example: She runs the show during events.
15. Tighten the reins
Meaning: Increase control
Example: They had to tighten the reins on spending.
16. Take a back seat
Meaning: Be less involved
Example: He took a back seat in the project.
17. Break the mold
Meaning: Do something differently
Example: She broke the mold by leading innovatively.
18. Under one’s thumb
Meaning: Under control
Example: The manager keeps everyone under his thumb.
19. Hold the upper hand
Meaning: Be in a stronger position
Example: She holds the upper hand in negotiations.
20. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Face a challenge directly
Example: He took the bull by the horns and led the project.