Welcome to a role of power and pompous behavior as we explore the cliché “throwing your weight around.”
Definition:
Throwing one’s weight around: To use one’s position, wealth, or standing to manipulate others or act officiously.
- Origin: Early 20th century, using “weight” in the sense of “authority.”
Example Usage:
John P. Marquand aptly employed this expression in H. M. Pulham, Esquire (1941): “Bo-jo was a bastard, a big bastard. Perhaps he meant that Bo-jo sometimes threw his weight around.”
Synonyms:
- Exerting authority
- Wielding power
- Dominating
- Bullying
- Bossing around 🤠
Antonyms:
- Leading by example
- Acting humbly 🙇
- Being unassuming
- Playing fair
Related Expressions:
- “Pulling rank”
- “Using one’s clout”
- “Waving the big stick”
- “Calling the shots”
Proverbs and Idioms:
-
Proverbs:
- “Might makes right”: Power can determine what is right or wrong.
- “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely”: A person’s sense of morality lessens as their power increases.
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Common Phrases:
- “Top dog”: The most powerful person in a group.
- “Big cheese”: An important person in an organization.
- “The boss from hell”: A manager or superior who is exceptionally unpleasant and authoritarian.
Quotes:
- “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek (Someone not throwing their weight around, mind you!)
Inspirational References:
-
Literature:
- George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” 🐷: A tale teeming with characters throwing their weight around (often literally).
- William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” 🏝️: The protagonist uses power shifts to overawe and intimidate the group.
-
Movies:
- “The Devil Wears Prada” 👠: Miranda Priestly as the quintessential boss who throws her weight around.
- “Wall Street” 📈: Gordon Gekko maneuvering his way to manipulate people right, left and center.
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Songs:
- “Back off Boogaloo” by Ringo Starr 🎵: Because why not tell Boogaloo to back off if they’re throwing their weight around?
Fun Fact:
The term “throw one’s weight around” doesn’t necessarily imply actual physical heft; it’s miles beyond the scale of a pesky boss to grandiose tyrants historically.
So next time you see someone weaving their authority unnecessarily or unjustly, remember they’re just throwing their (metaphorical) weight around!
Until next time, keep your vocabulary well-rounded and your figurative speech light. Or as William Shakespeare himself might have put it, “speak no more than is necessary and never more than your weight permits.” Cheerio! ✌️
By W. T. Wittywords Published: 2023-10-01
