flex one's muscles
Display physical power
To flex one's muscles is literally to contract and display them, as a bodybuilder might.
Figuratively, it means to demonstrate power or capability, often as a warning or show of strength: The company flexed its muscles by acquiring three competitors in one month.
Russia flexed its muscles along the border.
- bodybuildingMuscle enlargement for appearance
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- posturingInsincere behavior for effect
- brinkmanshipPushing conflicts to disaster's threshold
- throw one's weight aroundIntimidate using one's status
influence · making a statement · dominance · authority · prowess · confidence · physical exertion · intimidation · capability · saber-rattling · rattle one's saber · weightlifting · fitness training · athletic performance · calisthenics · control · superiority · mastery
flex one's musclesback down
Withdraw from a stance
submit · capitulate · concede · yield · defer
flex one's musclesstand down
Withdraw from readiness
back off · retreat · withdraw · shrink back · cower
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