[walk] all over {sb}
1
to treat a person poorly by taking advantage of them or ignoring their needs and feelings
The origin of the idiom "walk all over someone" is not precisely documented, but it likely draws its imagery from the idea of physically walking on a person, which would be a clear demonstration of dominance or disregard. Over time, this physical act transformed into a figurative expression to describe situations where one person takes advantage of another, figuratively "walking" on them by asserting control, authority, or disrespect without any regard for the other person's feelings or rights. It is often used to criticize or express disapproval of individuals who take advantage of another person's kindness, passivity, or weakness.
- In the workplace, the assertive manager walked all over her subordinates, never considering their opinions or needs.
- Sarah's so-called friends took advantage of her generosity and kindness, constantly walking all over her in their selfish pursuits.
- Instead of promoting teamwork, the coach allowed certain players to walk all over their teammates, causing resentment within the team.
- The dominating partner in the relationship seemed to relish the opportunity to walk all over their significant other, disregarding their desires and feelings.
- The school bully had a reputation for walking all over other students, intimidating them into submission.
2
to defeat someone without any difficulty
The idiom "walk all over someone" is believed to have originated from the image of someone walking over another person as a sign of domination or disrespect. This idiom is often used to describe a situation where a person or a group dominates or defeats another person easily, without any real challenge or effort.
- The championship team walks all over their opponents in most of their games.
- The experienced boxer is walking all over his opponent in the current match.
- The home team walked all over the visiting team in the soccer match last night.