one's way or the highway

/wˈɒnz wˈeɪ ɔː ðə hˈaɪweɪ/

/wˈʌnz wˈeɪ ɔːɹ ðə hˈaɪweɪ/

[sentence]

one's way or the highway

[SENTENCE]

used to say that someone has two options, either accept what has been said or leave it be

What is the origin of the idiom "one's way or the highway" and when to use it?

The idiom "one's way or the highway" has its roots in the informal and direct style of communication often found in everyday conversations. While its specific origin is difficult to pinpoint, it has become a widely recognized idiom in the English language. The phrase encapsulates a sense of assertiveness, implying that someone is determined to have things done according to their own desires or expectations without compromise. It is often employed in discussions, negotiations, or conflicts where one party insists on having things done solely according to their preferences or demands.

Examples

1. What happens is men get stuck in this counterproductive rhythm of thinking, Hey, I'm stubborn, it's my way or the highway, I'm not gonna I'm not going to use very many words, because she or XYZ people should just do what I want, should be my way of the highway.

2. And that force, power, win-win, my way or the highway, BATNA, good cop/bad cop, walking out, generally do more harm than good.

3. Threats, leverage, power, my way or the highway, take it or leave it, BATNA alternatives to agreement, walking out, et cetera.

4. And you know, mediocre salesmen, I would think, either are insistent-- you know, it's going to be my way or the highway.