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lord it over

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

You act like you're better than other people and try to control or impress them in an annoying way.

Literal meaning: To behave as if you are a lord ruling over others.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To behave in an arrogant, superior manner toward others, typically abusing a position of power or advantage.

"Ever since he got promoted, he's been lording it over everyone in the office."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Always followed by 'over' + a person or group. Carries a strongly negative tone — it describes unpleasant, arrogant behaviour. More common in British English.

Commonly used with

colleagues classmates subordinates others everyone staff

Forms

Base
lord it over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lords it over
he/she/it
Past simple
lorded it over
yesterday
Past participle
lorded it over
have + pp
-ing form
lording it over
continuous

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Synonyms

boss around dominate condescend to bully swagger over throw your weight around

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