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Definition of power trip

Examples of power trip in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'power trip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near power trip

power train

Cite this Entry

“Power trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20trip. Accessed 6 Apr. 2024.

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American Idioms – Idiom Wizard Lists Over 5,500 Idioms & Slang Descriptions

American Idiom Dictionary

Exceeding one’s authority. An unfounded sense of one’s importance. The word is typically used in a scornful sense of someone who is elevated to a position that they conceive has more authority than it should.  (Compare Throw one’s weight around, Full of oneself, me-me person or Ego trip).

“When I get to work, the manager asks me to get him a cup of coffee. It’s not in my job description. He’s just on a power trip.”

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an act or instance of exerting one's power, authority, or influence: a new supervisor on a power trip.

Origin of power trip

Words nearby power trip.

• power takeoff
• Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely
• power train
• power transmission grid
• power vacuum
• power walking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use power trip in a sentence

There, unlike in prison, he could be left alone, physically distant from other people and their needs, whims, power trips and pain.

Her latest is The power trip , and she has sold well over 500 million copies of her books.

The makeup artist shook her head slowly, always the sign of a power trip going on.

And in my experience of writing about campaigns, that power trip does exaggerate their narcissism.

• Relationships

One Way to Deal With Someone on A Power Trip

Hint: many who throw their weight around don’t feel all that powerful..

Posted September 17, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Sure, there are people out there who like to use power to control other people—that’s pretty much the definition of a power trip. But is your boss, coworker, ex-friend, or estranged relative really one of them?

Not necessarily.

Not everybody who seems to be on a power trip actually is. Even the most controlling, domineering person in your life may simply be… protecting herself.

Self-protection isn’t the only alternative explanation for an apparent power trip. But it’s one that’s often overlooked.

If you can spot self-protection in action, you’re more likely to respond effectively and even potentially help the person heal.

The Power of Self-Protection

Most of us, if we’ve been hurt badly enough in the past, will prioritize doing whatever it takes to stay emotionally and physically safe.

Some of the behaviors we use as a shield can easily be mistaken for something more aggressive. Here are just a few examples:

• Dictating the details of how things play out to make sure we don’t get hurt again
• Requiring lots of information upfront before we agree to do things
• Changing our minds after agreeing to something that makes us nervous
• Reducing or eliminating contact with people who feel dangerous

All of these behaviors can come across as power-tripping. But self-protection is not about enjoying power; it’s about trying to ensure safety.

Sometimes, self-protection requires us to remove ourselves from certain relationships. There are various ways of doing this, ranging from “ ghosting ” (disappearing without explanation) to having a respectful conversation in which we clearly state our needs and boundaries in a way that others can choose to act on, or not, with the understanding that we hope they’ll be able to do so.

Mostly, when we’re in self-defense mode, we’re not especially polite. We might come across as unreasonable, stubborn, or even aggressive.

Think about it: If you’re at a backyard barbecue, and your shorts catch fire, you’re going to make a beeline for the swimming pool without concern for whose Coke you knock over. While you’re dashing to the pool, your only thought is for your own safety.

Even if we don’t feel especially powerful, our self-protection can make us look like power-hungry control freaks.

Refusing to return someone’s phone call, from their point of view, is just rude. Even if the truth is we’re scared of what might happen if we talk to them.

Leaving relationships, or acting inconsistently within them because of our own ambivalence, can come across as a power trip because we’re controlling the contact schedule. Sometimes we’re available; other times, we’re not. We decide from moment to moment what we can tolerate.

To the person on the receiving end, we’re just messing with them.

How to Respond

If you’re on the other side, looking at someone who appears to be on a power trip, there are some questions you might consider. To your knowledge…

Has that person experienced physical harm, emotional pain, or deep disappointment in relationships?

How secure does he seem, in general? How’s his overall self-image ?

Is it possible that the “power trip” is really just a need for safety?

If the relationship is important to you, don’t skip over self-protection as a possible explanation for behavior that appears power-driven.

If it might be the case that the person is protecting himself, how can you help him feel safer, especially in the relationship you share?

Here are a few ways to provide safety for people who’ve been hurt and/or traumatized in relationships:

• Ask permission. Ask about timing, locations, activities, topics that are OK to discuss… anything that the person seems anxious to control. These are important to her, so let her decide what feels OK.
• Offer choices. Same as above, and let the person know you’re open to hearing her ideas and preferences. Respect her choices, as long as they don’t directly violate your personal boundaries.
• Don’t push. Fear of being dominated often goes hand in hand with concerns about safety. Never try to coerce someone who’s been traumatized into doing what you want them to do.
• Be patient. Intrusive self-protective behaviors stem from past harm, not malice. People need time, understanding, and acceptance in order to heal.

These behaviors represent the opposite of what most of us feel like doing when someone is throwing their weight around. It’s human nature to want to push back against anything that feels like an inappropriate power-grab.

So if the relationship is not that important to you, you may choose simply not to deal with someone who seems to be on a power trip.

But now that you know it could be something deeper, you can make an informed choice about your own response.

Tina Gilbertson, LPC, is the author of Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child and Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them . She hosts the Reconnection Club Podcast for parents of estranged adult children and offers consultation by distance.

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27 Idioms for Power: Meanings and Usage

These idioms provide colorful expressions to describe situations where someone holds authority, control, or influence.

So, let’s look at these idioms for power, decode their meanings, and see how they can be used in everyday conversations.

If you want to explore more creative comparisons for power, you can find metaphors for power here: Metaphors for Power . Additionally, for comparisons using “like” or “as,” you can check out similes for power here: Similes for Power .

What is an Idiom for Power?

An idiom for power is a phrase or expression that conveys the idea of authority, control, or influence in a figurative manner.

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These idioms use words and phrases that may not have a literal connection to power but are commonly understood to represent it in a specific context.

Let’s break down each of the idioms related to power and explore their meanings and usage.

Idioms for Power

1. rule with an iron fist.

Meaning: To rule or govern with strictness and authority, often using harsh methods.

In a Sentence: The dictator ruled his country with an iron fist, suppressing any form of dissent.

2. Hold all the cards

Meaning: To have complete control over a situation, giving you an advantage.

In a Sentence: Sarah held all the cards during the negotiation, making it impossible for the opposing party to get what they wanted.

3. Pull the strings

Meaning: To secretly control or manipulate a situation or people from behind the scenes.

In a Sentence: The powerful businessman was known for pulling the strings in the political arena to protect his interests.

4. In the driver’s seat

Meaning: To be in control or in charge of a situation.

In a Sentence: After months of hard work, Emily found herself in the driver’s seat of the project, ready to lead her team to success.

5. Have the upper hand

Meaning: To be in a superior position with an advantage over others.

In a Sentence: Despite the challenges, the home team had the upper hand in the championship game.

6. Call the shots

Meaning: To make the important decisions and be in control of a situation.

In a Sentence: In this company, the CEO calls the shots and sets the direction for the entire organization.

7. Wear the pants

Meaning: To be the dominant or decision-making figure in a relationship or situation, often used to refer to a woman in control.

In a Sentence: In their partnership, it’s clear that Mark’s wife wears the pants and makes most of the decisions.

8. Hold the reins

Meaning: To be in control or have authority over a situation, similar to being in command.

In a Sentence: As the project manager, Alex held the reins and guided the team towards their goals.

9. Hold sway

Meaning: To have influence or control over people or situations.

In a Sentence: The charismatic speaker held sway over the audience, inspiring them with his words.

10. Wield influence

Meaning: To have the power to affect decisions or actions through one’s opinions or actions.

In a Sentence: The experienced diplomat knew how to wield influence to ensure peaceful negotiations.

11. Hold the key

Meaning: To possess the knowledge or control needed to solve a problem or unlock a situation.

In a Sentence: Sarah held the key to the encrypted file, which contained vital information.

12. Be in control

Meaning: To have the authority and responsibility for managing a situation.

In a Sentence: During the crisis, it was crucial for the captain to be in control of the ship.

13. Have the final say

Meaning: To have the ultimate authority or the right to make the last decision.

In a Sentence: The judge had the final say in the courtroom, ensuring justice was served.

14. Hold the purse strings

Meaning: To control the finances or budget of an organization or household.

In a Sentence: As the CFO, Rachel held the purse strings of the company, carefully managing its finances.

15. Be in the hot seat

Meaning: To be in a position of extreme pressure or scrutiny, often due to a difficult or important task.

In a Sentence: The CEO was in the hot seat as the company faced a public relations crisis.

16. Have a tight grip

Meaning: To have firm control over something.

In a Sentence: The coach had a tight grip on the team’s training regimen, ensuring they were always at their best.

17. Be the boss

Meaning: To be the person in charge or the leader of a group or organization.

In a Sentence: James aspired to be the boss of his own company, with full control over its operations.

18. Be at the helm

Meaning: To be in a position of leadership or control, often used in nautical terms.

In a Sentence: Captain Smith was at the helm of the ship, steering it through rough waters.

19. Be at the top of the food chain

Meaning: To be the highest-ranking or most influential figure in a group or industry.

In a Sentence: In the tech world, Apple is at the top of the food chain, setting trends for others to follow.

20. Be the master of one’s domain

Meaning: To have complete control and authority within one’s area of responsibility.

In a Sentence: As the head chef, Sarah was the master of her domain in the kitchen, creating exquisite dishes.

21. Have a say

Meaning: To have the opportunity to express one’s opinion or influence a decision.

In a Sentence: Everyone in the meeting had a say in the new office layout, sharing their ideas and concerns.

22. Be in the catbird seat

Meaning: To be in an advantageous or enviable position.

In a Sentence: Sarah felt like she was in the catbird seat when she landed her dream job.

23. Be the big cheese

Meaning: To be the most important or influential person in a group or situation.

In a Sentence: At the conference, the CEO was the big cheese, attracting attention from all participants.

24. Be the top dog

Meaning: To be the highest-ranking or most powerful individual in a group.

In a Sentence: In the competitive world of finance, John aspired to be the top dog in his firm.

25. Be the head honcho

Meaning: To be the highest-ranking or most important person in a group or organization.

In a Sentence: As the head honcho of the company, Lisa had to make crucial decisions for its future.

26. Have the might of a lion

Meaning: To possess great strength, power, or influence.

In a Sentence: The country’s military had the might of a lion, deterring any potential threats.

27. Be the powerhouse

Meaning: To be a source of immense energy, influence, or capability.

In a Sentence: Tesla’s innovation and technology make it the powerhouse of the electric vehicle industry.

Here are 10 quiz questions related to the idioms mentioned in the article:

• What does the idiom “Rule with an iron fist” mean? a) To rule with kindness b) To rule with strictness and authority c) To rule with flexibility
• What does the idiom “Hold all the cards” signify? a) Having no control over a situation b) Having complete control over a situation c) Playing cards for fun
• What does it mean to “Pull the strings” in an idiom? a) To reveal a secret b) To secretly control or manipulate a situation c) To tie shoelaces
• If someone is “In the driver’s seat,” what does it imply? a) They are not in control b) They are in control of a situation c) They are driving a car
• What does the idiom “Have the upper hand” mean? a) Having no advantage b) Having a disadvantage c) Having an advantage
• If you “Call the shots,” what does it mean? a) To take random decisions b) To make important decisions and be in control c) To play a game of pool
• What does it mean when someone “Wears the pants” in a relationship? a) They like wearing fashionable pants b) They are the dominant figure in the relationship c) They don’t like pants
• If you “Hold sway,” what do you do? a) Hold a dance party b) Have influence or control over people or situations c) Stay silent
• What does “Be at the top of the food chain” signify? a) To be a vegetarian b) To be the most influential or highest-ranking in a group or industry c) To be a chef
• What does the idiom “Be the powerhouse” mean? a) To be a weak source of energy b) To be a source of immense energy, influence, or capability c) To be a small electrical generator

Feel free to use these quiz questions to test someone’s knowledge of idioms for power!

Idioms for power add color and depth to our language. They offer a unique way to describe situations where someone is in control, authoritative, or influential.

About the author

Dr. Julia Rossi

Dr. Julia Rossi , a luminary in the field of linguistics, earned her Ph.D. with a groundbreaking thesis that delved into the cultural and historical dimensions of idioms, metaphors, and similes. Her work, spanning decades, has brought to light the dynamic nature of idiomatic expressions, illustrating how they serve as cultural artifacts, revealing the collective consciousness of a society. Rossi’s publications, widely acclaimed in academic circles, have not only expanded our understanding of idioms but have also paved the way for a more nuanced appreciation of cross-cultural communication.

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Definition of power trip noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• on a power trip He's been on a power trip ever since he got promoted.

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

12 Other Ways to Say “Power Trip”

The term “power trip” often carries a negative connotation, describing a situation where someone exploits their authority or control over others in a way that is perceived as excessive or abusive.

The alternatives in the article will enrich your vocabulary and offer different perspectives on expressing the concept of misusing power or authority, thereby enhancing the depth and precision of your communication in professional, social, and personal discussions.

Table of Contents

Other Ways to Say “Power Trip”

1. authority abuse.

Example: “His management style veers dangerously close to authority abuse , often disregarding team input.”

Meaning: This phrase underlines an already negative situation, suggesting a degree of intention to action taken holding the other person’s well-being and rights in disregard

Usage: Best used in discussions about unethical leadership practices where someone exploits their role for personal gain or to the detriment of others.

2. Dominance Display

Example: “The supervisor’s insistence on micromanaging every task was more of a dominance display than effective leadership.”

Meaning: This is action is intended to convey need to feel in control, viewing it as behavior that is not only over the top, but absolutely ineffectual.

Usage: Suitable for analyzing behavior aimed at asserting superiority in social or professional settings, often without practical justification.

3. Control Overreach

Example: “There’s a thin line between strong leadership and control overreach , which she seems to cross frequently.”

Meaning: This is extended control, crossing a line where no one has any business.

Usage: Applicable when describing situations where an individual extends their influence beyond appropriate boundaries, affecting autonomy or freedom.

4. Egotistical Command

Example: “His egotistical command over the project left little room for any collaborative effort.”

Meaning: Describes a scenario where leadership is driven by ego rather than the collective good, leading to a stifling or oppressive environment.

Usage: Ideal for critiquing leadership or management styles that are driven by self-importance, negatively impacting team dynamics and morale.

5. Excessive Authority

Example: “Exercising excessive authority , he disregarded established protocols to assert his decisions.”

Meaning: This phrase points to the use of more power than is warranted or appropriate, often ignoring rules or norms.

Usage: Useful in contexts where there’s an overapplication of power, leading to unnecessary restrictions or rules that hinder progress.

6. Heavy-handed Leadership

Example: “Her heavy-handed leadership style breeds resentment rather than respect among her team.”

Meaning: Characterizes leadership that is overly strict or authoritarian, often resulting in negative morale.

Usage: Employed when discussing leadership approaches that are overly authoritarian, resulting in a stifled or demoralized environment.

7. Authoritarian Overstep

Example: “The committee’s authoritarian overstep in decision-making processes has led to widespread dissatisfaction.”

Meaning: Indicates an instance where authorities exceed their rightful limits, imposing decisions without proper consideration for others’ opinions or rights.

Usage: Relevant in scenarios where leaders or governing bodies impose decisions without regard for consensus or democratic processes.

8. Tyrannical Behavior

Example: “His tyrannical behavior towards the staff has prompted calls for more empathetic leadership.”

Meaning: Refers to oppressive or cruel use of power, reminiscent of a tyrant’s rule.

Usage: Used to describe actions or governance that is oppressively controlling, leaving little room for freedom or dissent.

9. Unjust Dominance

Example: “The unjust dominance she wields in meetings stifles any potential for open dialogue.”

Meaning: Highlights a form of leadership or control that is unfair and suppresses free expression or participation.

Usage: Fits discussions around leadership or control that is unfairly exerted, particularly when it suppresses open communication or fairness.

10. Autocratic Rule

Example: “Under his autocratic rule , employees have little say in the direction of their work.”

Meaning: Describes a system or situation where power is concentrated in the hands of one individual who makes decisions unilaterally.

Usage: Appropriate for analyzing situations where decision-making is centralized in the hands of a single ruler or leader, often to the detriment of collective input.

11. Oppressive Supervision

Example: “ Oppressive supervision has become a concern, with many advocating for a more inclusive managerial approach.”

Meaning: Emphasizes a management style that is burdensome and restrictive, often causing discomfort or distress among subordinates.

Usage: Best for highlighting management practices that are excessively controlling or burdensome, impacting employee well-being and autonomy.

12. Power Overextension

Example: “Her power overextension in handling team issues has eroded trust and hindered effective collaboration.”

Meaning: This phrase captures the act of stretching one’s power beyond acceptable or reasonable limits, often leading to conflict or resistance.

Usage: Suitable for instances where an individual’s assertion of influence exceeds what is reasonable or acceptable, often leading to conflict.

When to Use Different “Power Trip” Alternatives

The choice of which alternative expression to use instead of “power trip” largely depends on the context, the intensity of the power misuse, and the specific nuances you wish to convey.

Whether discussing workplace dynamics, political scenarios, or interpersonal relationships, these phrases offer a range of options to articulate concerns about the abuse of power with varying degrees of specificity and severity.

• In workplace contexts , terms like “heavy-handed leadership,” “oppressive supervision,” and “authority abuse” can be particularly effective in describing situations where power dynamics negatively affect team morale and efficiency.
• Within social or political discussions , expressions such as “tyrannical behavior,” “autocratic rule,” and “authoritarian overstep” provide a strong commentary on the misuse of power in governance or within societal structures.
• For personal or smaller-scale scenarios , phrases like “control overreach,” “dominance display,” and “power overextension” might be more suitable, capturing the nuances of power misuse in more intimate or less formal settings.

There is no doubt that language plays a crucial role in shaping conversations around the abuses of power and authority.

These 12 alternative expressions to “power trip” not only provide us with welcome synonymy and enhance our ability to register the subtleties of power dynamics in different contexts, but also furnish us with a lexicon for thinking through and discussing ethical leadership and the right conduct of governance — in workplaces, in social life, and in political theory, textually and in practice.

For those interested in further pursuing the psychology of power dynamics, influence, and leadership, the Power and Influence section on Psychology Today is an excellent resource for understanding the ways in which journalists and other public speakers work to secure their authority against the backdrop of chronic, everyday workplace challenges to it.

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power trip noun

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What does the noun power trip mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun power trip . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun power trip ?

How is the noun power trip pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun power trip come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun power trip is in the 1960s.

OED's earliest evidence for power trip is from 1968, in Newsweek (New York).

power trip is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: power n. 1 , trip n. 1

Nearby entries

• power take-off, n. 1928–
• power tennis, n. 1940–
• power tie, n. 1984–
• power tool, n. 1878–
• power-to-weight ratio, n. 1937–
• power tower, n. 1912–
• power train, n. 1943–
• power transformer, n. 1929–
• power transistor, n. 1957–
• power trio, n. 1937–
• power trip, n. 1968–
• power-trip, v. 1987–
• power-tripping, n. 1971–
• power-tripping, adj. 1970–
• power tube, n. 1924–
• power unit, n. 1874–
• power-up, n. 1958–
• power user, n. 1885–
• power valve, n. 1919–
• power walk, n. 1986–
• power-walk, v. 1985–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for power trip, n..

power trip, n. was first published in December 2006.

power trip, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into power trip, n. in July 2023.

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Citation details

Factsheet for power trip, n., browse entry.

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Meaning of guilt/power/ego trip in English

Guilt/power/ego trip.

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