boss about
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To act like a boss and tell people what to do all the time, even when you're not actually their boss.
Literal meaning: To act like a boss towards people around you — to exercise authority (often inappropriately) over those nearby.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To give orders to people in an overbearing and often unwarranted way.
"She always bosses everyone about in the kitchen, even when she's a guest."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. Conveys strong disapproval of someone who behaves in an authoritarian or controlling way, especially without having the authority to do so. Very similar to 'boss around', which is more common in American English. Often used when complaining about a controlling person.
Commonly used with
everyone staff colleagues people others kids
Forms
Base
boss about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bosses about
he/she/it
Past simple
bossed about
yesterday
Past participle
bossed about
have + pp
-ing form
bossing about
continuous
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