pull rank: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pull rank’ mean?
'Pull rank' is an idiom that means to use one's higher rank or position of authority to gain an advantage or to assert dominance over someone else.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "reign supreme" means to have complete control or be in a position of undisputed power or authority.
The idiom "reign supreme" has a long history and its origins can be traced back to medieval times. It is derived from the combination of the word "reign," which means to hold royal office or to rule, and the word "supreme," which means the highest in rank or authority. Together, the idiom conveys the idea of holding a dominant or superior position.
The idiom "put someone in their place" means to assert one's authority or dominance over someone, often by reminding them of their lower status or making them feel inferior.
The idiom "put someone in their place" is commonly used in the English language to assert dominance or superiority over someone, often in response to their perceived arrogance or disrespect.
The idiom "pull up on" means to arrive or show up at a location, often unexpectedly or with a sense of urgency.
The idiom "pull up" means to stop or bring something to a halt. It can also refer to stopping oneself or someone else from behaving in a certain way. The phrase can be used in various contexts such as driving, sports, or correcting someone's behavior.
The idiom *pull the trigger* means to make a decision or take action, especially when it involves something significant or irreversible.
The idiom "pull the ladder up behind oneself" means to remove or deny opportunities or assistance for others once one has succeeded or achieved a certain position or goal.
The idiom "pull the ladder up after oneself" means to hinder or prevent others from achieving the same success or opportunity that one has enjoyed.
The idiom "pull teeth" means a difficult or challenging task, often involving persuading or extracting information from someone who is uncooperative or reluctant.
The idiom "pull strings" means to use one's influence or connections to manipulate or control a situation in one's favor.
The idiom "pull strings" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It refers to having influence or power to manipulate or control a situation through one's connections or relationships.
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Related Idiom: pull rank
One related idiom to "pull rank" is "pull ahead". When someone uses their higher position or authority to gain an advantage or assert control over others, they can "pull ahead" in a competitive situation. This means that they are able to move forward or progress more rapidly compared to others because of their position or authority.
Another related idiom to "pull rank" is "pulling power". This term is often used to describe the ability to attract or influence others through one's position or authority. When someone has "pulling power," they are able to use their higher position or authority to persuade or convince others to follow their lead or agree with their viewpoint.
Lastly, there is the idiom "pull strings". This phrase refers to the act of using one's influence or connections to get things done or to make things happen. When someone "pulls strings," they are able to leverage their higher position or authority to manipulate or control a situation in their favor.
Conclusion:
The idiom "pull rank" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is derived from the verb "pull," which means "to exert force in order to move someone or something toward the person or thing doing the pulling." The term "rank" refers to a person's position or level of authority within a hierarchical structure. The idiom is often used to describe a situation where someone uses their higher position or authority to gain an advantage or assert control over others. The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the military, where officers with higher rank have the power to command and give orders to those of lower rank. Over time, the usage of "pull rank" has extended beyond the military context and is now commonly used in various professional and social settings."
- The idiom "pull ahead" is a related expression to "pull rank". It describes a situation where someone uses their higher position or authority to gain an advantage or assert control over others, allowing them to move forward or progress more rapidly compared to others.
- Another related idiom is "pulling power". This term refers to the ability to attract or influence others through one's position or authority. When someone has "pulling power," they can use their higher position or authority to persuade or convince others to follow their lead or agree with their viewpoint.
- The third related idiom is "pull strings". This phrase is used to describe the act of using one's influence or connections to get things done or to make things happen. When someone "pulls strings," they can leverage their higher position or authority to manipulate or control a situation in their favor.
While the idiom "pull rank" is straightforward in its meaning and usage, it raises questions about the dynamics of power and authority in various contexts. It prompts us to consider the ethical implications of using one's position to manipulate or control others, and the potential injustices that may arise from such actions. The idiom invites us to examine the balance between exercising authority and respecting the autonomy and agency of others.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom pull rank can be used in a sentence:
- After being assigned a task, the supervisor pulled rank on his subordinates to ensure they completed it first.
- The manager pulled rank on the other departments to secure the best available resources for his team.
- When it came to deciding the meeting time, the senior executive pulled rank and scheduled it according to his availability.
More "Hierarchy" idioms
