Definiția și Sensul lui "[run] roughshod over {sb/sth}"

What is the origin of the idiom "run roughshod over someone or something" and when to use it?

The idiom "run roughshod over someone or something" is derived from the literal practice of using horses with "roughshod" hooves. Roughshoeing involved attaching shoes with sharp projections or calkins to a horse's hooves to provide better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. This allowed the horse to move without regard for obstacles and made it easier for them to traverse challenging terrains. This expression is often used to describe a situation where someone or something dominates or mistreats others in a forceful and disrespectful manner.