- To use one's position, influence, or authority in an overly assertive, bossy, or intimidating manner.
- It implies imposing one's will on others unfairly or unnecessarily.
Explanation
Origin
- The phrase uses the literal idea of a physically large person using their size (weight) to push people or dominate a space (throw around).
- Metaphorically, it extends to using non-physical weight like authority, status, or influence in an aggressive or domineering way.
- It suggests a misuse of power, often resented by others.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Being a dick (Vulgar, means acting like an unpleasant, arrogant person)
- Power tripping / On a power trip (Acting self-important due to having usually minor authority)
- Acting like a big shot (Behaving as if very important)
- Flexing (Modern slang: showing off power or status, often unnecessarily)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Being a fucking asshole (Very strong, expresses intense dislike)
- Acting like king shit / King Shit of Fuck Mountain (Vulgar, implies extreme arrogance and dominance)
Milder:
- Being bossy
- Being domineering
- Asserting dominance (More neutral, observational)
- Being officious (Overly assertive in applying rules/authority)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal when describing behaviour.
- Using it *directly to* the person (Stop throwing your weight around!) is confrontational and informal.
- Avoid in very formal reports unless quoting someone, use more neutral terms like overbearing or misusing authority.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might take it literally, thinking it involves physical actions or throwing objects. Emphasize the metaphorical use of 'weight' as influence or authority.
Examples
- The new supervisor is already throwing her weight around, changing rules nobody minds.
- Just because he's the senior employee doesn't give him the right to throw his weight around with the interns.
- He likes to throw his weight around in meetings, interrupting everyone.
Dialogue
Alice: Mark was really unpleasant to the new team members today.
Bob: I know, he's always throwing his weight around. He seems to think being here longer makes him the boss of everyone.
Alice: It's creating a bad atmosphere. Someone should talk to him.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Dealing with a manager who loves to throw their weight around is exhausting. Power doesn't equal leadership. #worklife #badboss
- Forum Post: My condo board president throws his weight around constantly. Any advice on how to handle this politely but firmly? #HOAproblems
Response Patterns
- Often met with resentment, quiet complaints, or avoidance.
- Yeah, nobody likes how he throws his weight around.
- She needs to stop throwing her weight around if she wants respect.
- I try to stay out of his way when he starts throwing his weight around.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- People might complain to peers (Did you see how he acted?).
- They might discuss strategies to deal with the person (What can we do about her throwing her weight around?).
- In formal settings, it might lead to complaints to HR or higher management.
- Avoidance of the person is also common.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- It's used to describe or complain about someone's behaviour, not typically to start a conversation directly.
Intonation
- Emphasis often falls on THROW and WEIGHT.
- The tone is usually critical or complaining. He's always THROWING his WEIGHT around.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across most generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ).