bossed around
Told what doing
To be bossed around is to be given orders in a domineering way, typically by someone asserting authority they may not deserve: I'm tired of being bossed around by my older sister.
The phrase implies resentment—the person receiving orders feels pushed rather than led.
Kept within limits
- overpoweredExcessively dominant or conquered
- subjugatedBrought under control
- oppressedTreated with cruel control
- suppressedForcibly held down
trampled · bulldozed · steamrolled · henpecked · tyrannized · cowed · overruled · crushed
Urged with insistence
- forcedMade to occur unwillingly
- bulliedRepeatedly mistreated by aggressors
- intimidatedMade fearful by threat
- strong-armedCoerced through force
compelled · pushed · browbeaten · railroaded · steamrolled · dragooned · blackmailed · threatened
Directed with oversight
- monitoredObserved systematically over time
- scrutinizedExamined in close detail
- nitpickedFound petty faults
- second-guessedQuestioned after deciding
watched · controlled · directed · corrected · criticized · inspected · policed · fussed over
Arranged or commanded
- commandedGave authoritative instructions
- directedGave guidance or orders
- instructedGave teaching or orders
- sentCaused to go
dispatched · assigned · errand boy · gofer
controlled
Kept within limits
- overpoweredExcessively dominant or conquered
- subjugatedBrought under control
- oppressedTreated with cruel control
suppressed · trampled · bulldozed · steamrolled · henpecked · tyrannized · cowed · overruled · crushed · walked over
pressured
Urged with insistence
- forcedMade to occur unwillingly
- bulliedRepeatedly mistreated by aggressors
- intimidatedMade fearful by threat
strong-armed · compelled · pushed · browbeaten · railroaded · steamrolled · dragooned · blackmailed · threatened · cornered
supervised
Directed with oversight
- monitoredObserved systematically over time
- scrutinizedExamined in close detail
- nitpickedFound petty faults
second-guessed · watched · controlled · directed · corrected · criticized · inspected · policed · fussed over
ordered
Arranged or commanded
- commandedGave authoritative instructions
- directedGave guidance or orders
- instructedGave teaching or orders
sent · dispatched · assigned · errand boy · gofer
bossed aroundin charge
Having authority over
calling the shots · in control · running the show · dominating · at the helm
bossed aroundautonomous
Self-directed and free
self-directed · independent · respected · free · self-governing
boss, bossed, bosses, bossing, bossy, bossier, bossiest, bossiness, around