1 B1 idiomatic informal
To frequently and overbearingly tell others what to do, often without having the authority to do so.
"Stop bossing your little brother around — you're not his parent."
separable
boss around
B1 informal separable transitive
To tell people what to do in a domineering, controlling way, especially without proper authority.
In plain English
To act bossy — to keep telling other people what to do as if you're in charge of them.
What does "boss around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To act as a boss to those around you — exercising inappropriate authority over the people in your vicinity.
Actually means
To act bossy — to keep telling other people what to do as if you're in charge of them.
Usage tip
Very common in American and international English. Carries a clear sense of disapproval — the person doing the bossing is overstepping their role or being unreasonably controlling. Frequently used by children and adults alike to complain about controlling behaviour. The British equivalent is 'boss about'.
Words that pair with "boss around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
everyone employees kids siblings teammates people
How to conjugate "boss around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
boss around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bosses around
he/she/it
Past simple
bossed around
yesterday
Past participle
bossed around
have + pp
-ing form
bossing around
continuous
Hear "boss around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "boss around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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