roughshod

[ruhf-shod]

adjective

1. shod shoe with horseshoes having projecting nails or points.

roughshod

/ ˈrʌfˌʃɒd /

adjective

1. (of a horse) shod with rough-bottomed shoes to prevent sliding

adverb

1. to domineer over or act with complete disregard for

Word History and Origins

Origin of roughshod¹

First recorded in 1680–90; rough + shod

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. ride roughshod over, to treat harshly or domineeringly; override; crush.

   He rode roughshod over his friends to advance himself in the business world.

Example Sentences

But commercialism has won out over art, which is to say obviousness has run roughshod over subtlety.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If Republicans fail, big-government populists in both parties will run roughshod over confused and ambivalent incumbents.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Before smartphones, Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer was the dominant player, running roughshod over early challengers like Netscape.

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He can maintain his outside businesses and run roughshod over the department while Noem, in Terris’ words, “brings reality-show energy” as she travels the world, dresses up in various costumes and makes propaganda videos.

Read more on Salon

Critics say PSNs are being used for projects with minimal domestic benefit, including industrial zones managed by foreign companies, and allow developers to ride roughshod over environmental and rights protections.

Read more on Barron's