| No. | Item | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | back someone into a corner | force into a tight spot |
| 2. | be a power behind the throne | influence leader secretly |
| 3. | be at the helm | lead or control |
| 4. | be calling the tune | be controlling outcomes |
| 5. | be in the driver’s seat | be in control |
| 6. | be top dog | be the most powerful |
| 7. | bend the rules | break rules slightly |
| 8. | bite your tongue | stop yourself from speaking |
| 9. | box someone in | restrict someone’s choices |
| 10. | call the shots | be in charge; decide |
| 11. | cling to power | refuse to give up power |
| 12. | consolidate power | strengthen control |
| 13. | crack the whip | force people to work |
| 14. | cross the line | go beyond acceptable limits |
| 15. | dig in your heels | refuse to change |
| 16. | draw a line in the sand | set a firm limit |
| 17. | draw the reins | slow down; restrain |
| 18. | fix the game | rig an outcome |
| 19. | flex your muscles | show power or strength |
| 20. | get a grip | regain self-control |
| 21. | get on top of | gain control over |
| 22. | get out of hand | become uncontrollable |
| 23. | get the final word | have last authority |
| 24. | have a say | have influence in decisions |
| 25. | have clout | have influence and power |
| 26. | have the final say | have ultimate authority |
| 27. | have the upper hand | have control over others |
| 28. | hold all the cards | have the advantage and control |
| 29. | hold on to power | keep authority |
| 30. | hold someone at arm’s length | keep someone distant |
| 31. | hold someone hostage | control by threats |
| 32. | hold someone to ransom | force by threats or pressure |
| 33. | hold sway | have influence and control |
| 34. | hold the purse strings | control the money |
| 35. | hold the reins | be in control |
| 36. | hold your tongue | stay silent; restrain speech |
| 37. | keep a handle on | maintain control over |
| 38. | keep a lid on | prevent from getting worse |
| 39. | keep a tight rein | control closely and firmly |
| 40. | keep in check | restrain; control |
| 41. | keep someone at bay | prevent someone from approaching |
| 42. | keep someone guessing | maintain uncertainty to control |
| 43. | keep someone in line | make someone obey |
| 44. | keep someone on a leash | control someone’s freedom |
| 45. | keep tabs on | monitor and control |
| 46. | keep under your thumb | control completely |
| 47. | lay down the law | state rules firmly |
| 48. | lord it over | act superior; dominate |
| 49. | lose the plot | lose control of situation |
| 50. | lose your grip | lose control |
| 51. | make the final call | make the last decision |
| 52. | make the rules | decide the rules |
| 53. | move the goalposts | change rules to control outcome |
| 54. | play hardball | act tough to win |
| 55. | pull rank | use status to control |
| 56. | pull the strings | control events behind the scenes |
| 57. | push the envelope | test limits and control |
| 58. | put someone in their place | humble someone; assert dominance |
| 59. | put the brakes on | slow or stop something |
| 60. | put the clamps on | restrict tightly |
| 61. | put the kibosh on | stop something suddenly |
| 62. | put your foot down | assert authority firmly |
| 63. | rein it in | restrain; reduce excess |
| 64. | ride herd on | supervise closely |
| 65. | ride roughshod over | treat harshly; dominate |
| 66. | rule with an iron fist | govern harshly and strictly |
| 67. | run a tight ship | manage with strict control |
| 68. | run the show | be the one in charge |
| 69. | seize power | take power suddenly |
| 70. | seize the initiative | take control of events |
| 71. | set the agenda | control the topics and priorities |
| 72. | sit in the catbird seat | be in an advantageous position |
| 73. | stack the deck | arrange unfair advantage |
| 74. | stand your ground | refuse to yield |
| 75. | step out of line | disobey authority |
| 76. | stick to your guns | keep your position firmly |
| 77. | take liberties | act beyond allowed control |
| 78. | take the reins | assume control or leadership |
| 79. | the powers that be | those in authority |
| 80. | throw your weight around | use power to intimidate |
| 81. | tighten the screws | apply pressure; control harder |
| 82. | toe the line | obey rules and authority |
| 83. | turn the screws | increase pressure on someone |
| 84. | twist someone’s arm | pressure someone to agree |
| 85. | under lock and key | kept securely confined or controlled |
| 86. | under someone’s heel | dominated by someone else |
| 87. | under wraps | kept secret and controlled |
| 88. | up the ante | raise the stakes to pressure others |
| 89. | upset the balance | disturb the existing power balance |
| 90. | use your leverage | use advantage to influence |
| 91. | walk all over | treat without respect; dominate |
| 92. | wash your hands of | refuse responsibility or control |
| 93. | watch like a hawk | observe very closely |
| 94. | wear the pants | be the one in control |
| 95. | wield the big stick | use threats to control others |
| 96. | with a firm hand | with steady, strict control |
| 97. | with a heavy hand | in an overly forceful way |
| 98. | with an iron hand | with strict, harsh control |
| 99. | yield to pressure | give in to force or demands |
| 100. | zip it | stop talking; keep silent |
