Here’s a simple introduction to our topic: Have you ever wondered how people talk about being in charge or having things under control using fun phrases? Well, those phrases are called idioms. In this blog post, we will explore 20 common English idioms that express control, what they mean, and how they are used in sentences. Even kids can understand and start using them!
Control Idioms
Here are 20 control idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Call the shots
Meaning: Make the decisions
Example: He likes to call the shots at work.
2. Pull the strings
Meaning: Control from behind the scenes
Example: She pulls the strings in that organization.
3. Rule the roost
Meaning: Be in charge of a place
Example: My grandmother rules the roost at home.
4. Hold the reins
Meaning: Have control over something
Example: He holds the reins of the family business.
5. Take the helm
Meaning: Lead or command
Example: She took the helm during the crisis.
6. Run the show
Meaning: Control or manage everything
Example: He runs the show at the theatre.
7. Have the upper hand
Meaning: Have an advantage
Example: She always has the upper hand in debates.
8. Wear the pants
Meaning: Be the dominant decision-maker
Example: In their relationship, he wears the pants.
9. Take the reins
Meaning: Assume control
Example: He took the reins of the project yesterday.
10. Play second fiddle
Meaning: Be less important
Example: I don’t like playing second fiddle.
11. Crack the whip
Meaning: Use authority to make someone work harder
Example: He cracks the whip to meet the deadline.
12. Keep on a tight leash
Meaning: Maintain strict control
Example: His parents keep him on a tight leash.
13. Call the tune
Meaning: Decide how things will be done
Example: She calls the tune at their meetings.
14. Move the chess pieces
Meaning: Strategically control a situation
Example: He moves the chess pieces in this negotiation.
15. Pull rank
Meaning: Use one’s higher position to control
Example: He pulled rank to get the assignment.
16. Lay down the law
Meaning: State rules or regulations strictly
Example: She laid down the law at the outset.
17. Twist someone’s arm
Meaning: Persuade someone forcefully
Example: He twisted my arm to join the club.
18. Steer the ship
Meaning: Guide or control a situation
Example: He steers the ship in tough times.
19. Flex one’s muscles
Meaning: Show one’s power
Example: She flexed her muscles during the negotiations.
20. Have one’s hand on the tiller
Meaning: Control a situation or organization
Example: He has his hand on the tiller of the company.
