pull rank
Use position unfairly
To pull rank is to use one's superior position to override others or get one's way: When the sergeant pulled rank, the privates had no choice but to comply.
The phrase comes from military hierarchy but applies anywhere authority can be invoked—workplaces, families, social groups.
It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the move is unfair or unnecessary.
- confrontFace squarely, address directly
- abuse of powerMisusing entrusted authority
- abuse of authorityWrongful use of power
- orderMethodical arrangement or request
- my way or the highwayAbsolute demand for compliance
bark · trump card · challenge · enforce · dominate · big man on campus · entitlement · pecking order · favoritism · command · coercion · seniority · brass hat · badge · hierarchy · chain of command · authority · put someone in their place
- lord it overboss around, bully, intimidate, dominate, oppress
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power