rule the roost

/ɹˈuːl ðə ɹˈuːst/

[phrase]

to rule the roost

[PHRASE]

to be in control and have absolute power in a group or in a situation

What is the origin of the idiom "rule the roost" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "rule the roost" can be traced back to traditional farming practices and the behavior of roosters in a chicken coop or farmyard. In a typical farm setting, the rooster, also known as a cockerel, serves as the dominant male bird and leader of the flock. The rooster establishes its authority by crowing loudly, displaying territorial behavior, and protecting the hens from potential threats. This behavior symbolizes its control and dominance over the roost or the chicken coop. It is commonly used in situations where someone is clearly in charge and exercises power, dominance, or influence.

Examples

1. In this particular society men rule the roost and women have a low status and few rights.

2. For more mainstream consumers, companies like Samsung eventually came to rule the roost in a phone you could buy from your wireless carrier.

3. Armed thugs rule the roost there, not the police.

4. She just let him rule the roost.