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

Aides laughed off the suggestion Mr. McConnell would try to pull rank on Mrs. Collins and wrest the position away from her at this point.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 21, 2022

On site, fans applauded Young's decision to pull rank in order to make an environmental point.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2019

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

From New York Times ● Sep. 1, 2016

I'd never known Miller to pull rank on any of the bunch.

From Stamped Caution by Raymond Z. Gallun