Rule the roost Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹuɫ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹust
ROOL thuh ROOST
ɹˈuːl/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈuːst
rool the ROOST
Definition
To be the person in control or with the most authority in a group or place, often at home or in a small organization.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and idiomatic; used mainly about families, workplaces, or small groups. Suggests being the one others must obey. Not literal—does not refer to actual rules or birds. Often used to describe household dynamics.
Spanish: mandar - llevar la voz cantante - dominarPortuguese (BR): mandar - ser quem manda - dominarPortuguese (PT): mandar - dominar - ser quem mandaChinese (Simplified): 当家作主 - 掌控一切Chinese (Traditional): 當家作主 - 掌控一切Hindi: राज करना - हुक्म चलानाArabic: يُسيطر - يتحكم في الأمورBengali: ক্ষমতা হাতে রাখা - অবাধ্য করাRussian: править балом - быть главнымJapanese: 仕切る - 牛耳るVietnamese: nắm quyền kiểm soát - làm chủKorean: 자리를 좌지우지하다 - 주도권을 쥐다Turkish: söz sahibi olmak - borusunu öttürmekUrdu: حاوی ہونا - قابو میں رکھناIndonesian: menguasai - memegang kendali
Example Sentences
She rules the roost at home.
basic
Who really rules the roost in this office?
basic
The oldest child likes to rule the roost over his siblings.
basic
Ever since he got a promotion, he really rules the roost around here.
natural
Don't let him fool you—it's his wife who rules the roost.
natural
At family gatherings, Grandma always rules the roost.
natural