a power trip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a power trip" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone abuses their power or authority for personal gain or satisfaction. Example: "After being promoted to manager, he seemed to go on a power trip, making unreasonable demands on his team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Travel

Opinion

Sports

Arts

Politics

Relationships

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"They're not on a power trip.

The New York Times

"It was a power trip.

The New York Times

It's like a power trip or something.

The Guardian - Music

Dungy has never been on a power trip.

The New York Times - Sports

And you'll be able to enjoy a power trip of your own.

The New York Times

That said, he doesn't have a "Power Trip" or a "Bad".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A little auto expertise comes in handy when you want to impress your friends–or let a power-tripping mechanic know he can't jerk you around.

Forbes

It is a quintessential moment for a Jane Lynch character: an authority figure on an absurd power trip, calmly humiliating inferiors with a well-placed, condescending line.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Jillette pronounces Ms. Foster a "hypocritical prig" on "a silly power trip".

The New York Times - Arts

And we loved how you morphed a common identity trope into a revengeful power trip.

The New Yorker

Yeah we had a new guy come through who was on a mad power trip.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a power trip", ensure the context clearly indicates an abuse or inappropriate exercise of authority, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid labeling actions as "a power trip" simply because you disagree with them. Ensure there's evidence of abuse or misuse of authority, not just a difference in opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a power trip" functions as a noun phrase and is often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It refers to a situation where someone is behaving in an overbearing way due to their position of authority, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Opinion

3%

Travel

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a power trip" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations where individuals misuse their authority. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase with a negative connotation, aimed at criticizing or disapproving of someone's behavior. While grammatically correct, understanding the context is crucial to ensure accurate and appropriate usage. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, reflecting its relevance in discussing social and political dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abuse of authority

Focuses on the improper use of official power.

exercise of dominance

Highlights the act of exerting control over others.

display of authoritarianism

Emphasizes the characteristic of imposing strict obedience to authority.

show of force

Implies the use of strength or influence to achieve a goal.

act of oppression

Conveys the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power.

authoritarian conduct

Describes behavior that is characteristic of an autocrat or absolute ruler.

domineering behavior

Refers to behavior that attempts to control the actions of others.

dictatorial action

Implies behaving like a dictator by imposing one's will on others.

overbearing manner

Indicates an excessively proud or unpleasant way of behaving.

controlling influence

Highlights the act of swaying events or behavior.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is on "a power trip"?

Being on "a power trip" means someone is abusing their authority or position for personal satisfaction, often by being overly controlling or making unreasonable demands.

How can I tell if someone is on "a power trip"?

Signs include making arbitrary rules, excessively scrutinizing others' actions, and enjoying the feeling of being in control, even if it negatively impacts others.

What can I say instead of "a power trip"?

You can use alternatives like "abuse of authority", "exercise of dominance", or "display of authoritarianism" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe someone's actions as "a power trip"?

Yes, the phrase "a power trip" inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unethical or unfair use of authority. It implies that the person is not using power responsibly.