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Vocabulary: authority - English lesson
If a concept is dividing public opinion and requires a lot of nuances, it's that of "AUTHORITY". An excess of authority is often regretted but it seems that now "a lack of authority" is the cause of many problems and evils...
It's not only the degree of that authority which is questioned, but also the nature of it... I did research and found there were several "kinds" of authority; I have found three... then six, even thirteen! and finally sixteen... Could it be more?
It doesn't matter, really... I'm not doing sociology... simply vocabulary!
We're also dealing with "natural authority" and with "velvet-gloved authority", which are much more pleasant to my eyes and ears when considering this ambivalent notion.
To have authority over To have power over |
To exercise authority over |
His word is law! |
Authoritative |
The authorities |
Supreme/ supremacy |
Powerful/ mighty |
Power/ might |
"An iron hand in a velvet glove"... (Bernadotte)
To master something/ mastery over |
To control something/ somebody// control (noun) |
Under his control/ uncontrolled |
To supervise/ unsupervised |
A supervisor/ supervision |
Under the supervision of |
To be in charge of/ to put somebody in charge of something |
To take command of something |
Under the direction of |
To run a company |
To manage something |
To preside over a meeting |
To lead |
To dominate/ dominant/ domineering/ domination |
Patronising/ to patronise somebody |
- To have the situation under control
- To boss somebody around
- To have the whip hand over somebody
- To throw one's weight around
- Under constraint
Strict/ severe |
Imperious |
Authoritarian |
High-handed/ bossy |
A dictator/ dictatorial |
- To make somebody do something
- To force somebody to do something
- To compel somebody to do/ to oblige somebody to do
- To twist somebody's arm/ to put the arm on somebody
- To bring to heel: to force someone to behave in a disciplined manner
- To bulldoze (someone) into doing something: to force to do it, especially by being bullied or intimidated.
- Call the shots/ call the tune: make all the important decisions and is in control of the situation.
- Carry weight: influential or important.
- Too many chiefs, not enough Indians: too many people giving instructions and not enough people doing the work.
- Hold the reins: to be in complete control of a company, firm or organisation.
- Might is right: being the most powerful person or country gives you the right to do whatever you want.
- Top dog: better or more powerful than others
- Under your thumb: under your control or influence
- Gain/get the upper hand: take control over something
Yes, I know... There are many expressions to remember... but of course, you may feel free to learn only the ones you like...
The test isn't difficult and you will pass it with flying colours!
May THE FORCE be with you!

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