barking orders
Issuing sharp commands
Barking orders means issuing commands in a sharp, loud, aggressive manner—the way a drill sergeant addresses recruits or an impatient boss directs employees.
The image is of a dog's bark: abrupt, forceful, demanding immediate attention.
The phrase usually carries disapproval, suggesting someone is being unnecessarily harsh or domineering: He spent the whole meeting barking orders at everyone.
- shoutingVocally projecting loudly
- commandingExerting strong authority
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
- drill sergeantTrains raw recruits harshly
- drill instructorMilitary trainer of recruits
military · authoritative · no nonsense · harsh · demanding · bossy · dictating · bellowing · gruff · stern · tone of voice · intimidating · subordinates · obedience · snapping · curt · imperious · domineering
- loud soundsloud, scream, yell, thunderous, screaming
- dominance displaysdisplay, alpha behavior, power stance, chest puffing, baring teeth
barking orderscoaxing
Persuading through gentle persistence
whispering · proposing · advising · murmuring · pleading
barking orderscollaborating
Working jointly with others
consulting · begging · pleading · supplicating · asking permission
barking orderswhispering
Breathy, near-silent speech
soothing · calming · reassuring · cooing · gentle encouragement
bark, barked, barks, barker, barkers, order, orders, ordered, ordering