IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishthrow one's weight around
Meaning: To use one's power or importance in an overbearing way.
Example: “The new manager likes to throw his weight around.”
Origin: Like a heavy person shoving others aside. The phrase is found from the early 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Chinese: 狐假虎威 (Hú jiǎ hǔ wēi) Literally: The fox borrows the tiger's might
French: Rouler des mécaniques Literally: To roll one's mechanics
More English idioms
- don't push your luck Don't risk ruining a good situation by asking for more.
- on the house Free, paid for by the business.
- make a song and dance about To make an unnecessary fuss about something.
- yada yada yada And so on; skipping boring details.
- wide of the mark Inaccurate or irrelevant.
- grab a bite To eat something quickly.
Explore another collection: False Friends
Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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- Gracioso Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.
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