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Rule the Roost

What Does "Rule the Roost" Mean?

homeidiomsRule the Roost
"Rule the roost" is an English idiom. It means "to be in charge or have authority over a particular domain, situation, or group of people; to assert one's dominance or control."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "rule the roost" used in a sentence:
  • The experienced captain knew how to rule the roost on the ship, commanding respect from the crew and ensuring order.
  • In a competitive industry, only the businesses that innovate and adapt can rule the roost and maintain their market share.
  • She had a reputation for ruling the roost in her household, making all the important decisions and managing the family's affairs.
meaning for rule the roost

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Rule the Roost" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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