English Explanatory Dictionary

ride roughshod over

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To treat (someone) roughly or without care, control, moderation, or respect; to act in a bullying manner toward (someone); to damage (someone or something).

Pronunciation

/ˌɹaɪd ˈɹʌfʃɒd ˌəʊvə/ /ˌɹaɪd ˈɹʌfʃɑd ˌoʊvɚ/ En-au-ride roughshod over.ogg

Word forms

ride roughshod over rides roughshod over riding roughshod over rode roughshod over ridden roughshod over

Etymology

A horse is roughshod if its hooves are shod with horseshoes that have calks (projecting parts to prevent slipping). Thus, something that a roughshod horse is ridden over is likely to be damaged by the projections of its horseshoes.

Synonyms

ride over run roughshod over

Related words

intimidate
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