pull rank

Idioms  

1. Use one's higher status to compel obedience or obtain privileges, as in She hated pulling rank in the office, but sometimes it was necessary. This term comes from the military. [c. 1920]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pull rank

Here, even the Bravo nepo babies don’t try to pull rank.

From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2025

Perhaps that was the reason behind Medici agreeing to pull rank on Havelange.

From BBC ● Jan. 12, 2022

“Hinrich is one of my all-time favorite players, so I may have to see if I can pull rank and get in there and buy it before anyone else,” Lochmann joked.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 22, 2021

But what are friends for, if not to pull rank?

From New York Times ● Sep. 1, 2016

"Didn't even have to pull rank," he said.

From Star Surgeon by Nourse, Alan Edward