wore the pants
Had final say
Wore the pants means was the dominant partner in a relationship or household, the one who made decisions and held authority.
The expression comes from a time when only men wore trousers, so wearing the pants implied holding traditionally masculine power: Everyone knew Grandma wore the pants in that marriage.
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- matriarchyFemale-dominated social system
- behind the scenesOut of public view
- rule the roostHold domestic authority
hold the reins · whip hand · iron fist · equality · masculinity · dominance · run the show · lay down the law · take charge · femininity · domestic sphere · command · final say · stereotypes · partnership · power couple · influence · domesticity