rode roughshod over
Crushed without regard
To ride roughshod over someone or something is to treat them with brutal disregard, ignoring their needs, feelings, or objections entirely.
The expression comes from horses shod with protruding nails for better traction, which could inflict serious damage if they trampled someone.
Today it describes domineering behavior that crushes opposition without consideration: The new management rode roughshod over employee concerns about the merger.
She rode roughshod over anyone who disagreed with her vision.
- trampleCrush by stepping
- bulldozeDemolish using heavy equipment
- overrunSpread throughout uncontrollably
- dominateControl through superior strength
- oppressUnjustly burden or dominate
trampled underfoot · disregard · dictate · steamrolling · subjugation · iron fist · tyranny · intimidate · marginalization · hegemony · bullying · exploitation · dismissal · authoritarianism · disrespect · cast aside · manipulation · insensitivity
rode roughshod overrespected
Held in high regard
accommodated · pampered · tiptoed around · indulged · treated with respect
rode roughshod overwon over
Gained someone's support
coaxed · persuaded · consulted · sweet-talked
roughshod, riders, rough, roughly, roughness, roughen, shoeing