Throw one's weight around

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiom meaning to use one's power, influence, or status in an arrogant or bullying manner, imposing will on others through intimidation rather than collaboration or respect.

Detailed Definition
Throw one's weight around means to use power, status, influence, or physical presence in a bullying or overbearing way. In poetry, the idiom turns authority into bodily heaviness, suggesting someone imposing themselves on others by force rather than persuasion. It can describe bosses, rulers, parents, lovers, officials, or privileged classes. A poet may use it satirically or angrily to expose intimidation and abuse of rank. The phrase is useful for exploring power, arrogance, and the burden placed on those beneath it.
Example
Example in poetry:
A satire might show the minor lord throwing his weight around among frightened servants; In a workplace poem, a petty foreman throws his weight around because power makes him small; The phrase means to use authority in a bullying way; A poet can use it for social criticism.
Additional Notes
Throw one’s weight around means use power, status, or influence arrogantly. The body becomes a metaphor for authority, suggesting someone pushes others aside by sheer mass. In poetry, it can satirise bosses, patriarchs, officials, bullies, or empires. Students should notice how the idiom links physical heaviness with social dominance. It pairs well with rooms, elbows, desks, uniforms, and smaller figures forced to make space.
Also Known As
bully
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