{one's} way or the highway
1
used to say that someone has two options, either accept what has been said or leave it be
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. It is often used in discussions, negotiations, or conflicts where one party insists on having things done solely according to their preferences or demands.
- The manager's leadership style was "my way or the highway," leaving little room for collaboration or input from the team.
- The strict professor insisted on students following her guidelines exactly, adopting a "her way or the highway" approach to assignments.
- The controlling partner in the relationship always dictated the plans, using the mentality of "my way or the highway" when it came to decision-making.
- The stubborn CEO refused to consider any alternative strategies, maintaining a "his way or the highway" attitude that hindered innovation within the company.
- The coach's authoritarian coaching style employed a "their way or the highway" mentality, leaving players with no choice but to conform or leave the team.