wear the trousers
Be in charge
To wear the trousers is to be the dominant partner in a relationship, the one who makes decisions and holds authority.
The expression assumes trousers as a symbol of masculine power, so it typically describes a woman who controls the household: Everyone knows she wears the trousers in that marriage.
Also *wear the pants*, especially in American English.
- bossWorkplace superior
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- rule the roostHold domestic authority
call the tune · lay down the law · control · crack the whip · matriarchy · gender roles · battle of the sexes · run the show · henpeck · order · rule · authority · hold sway · dominance · take the reins · power · voice · decide
wear the trouserstake a back seat
Become less prominent
play second fiddle · kowtow · go along with · knuckle under · follow orders
wear the trouserssubmit
Present for consideration
roll over · capitulate · yield · knuckle under · acquiesce
wear, wears, wearing, wearer, wearable, outerwear, underwear, trousers, trouser