run the roost

USAGE SUMMARY

"run the roost" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that is used to describe somebody as being in charge or in control. For example: "Dave runs the roost in the office; everyone knows to follow his orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Before Fantastic Mr Fox, Anderson was regularly under fire for allowing his quirks to run the roost.

The Guardian - Film

The Hideway is a comforting enclave to return to each night, and Sharon and John who run the roost have done their hosting homework, pre-empting every need.

The Guardian - Travel

At the huge, centrally located booths it's rugby scrum time as hundreds of club pros and course owners place their orders for the coming year, so I drift off to the showroom's outer reaches, where intrepid entrepreneurs run the roost.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With the iPhone grabbing the hipster market and Android grabbing the nerds – and RIM still runs the business roost – Palm has no home in this world anymore.

TechCrunch

Under the new constitution, provinces and regions will run the police and gendarmerie, fostering a further worry that sectarian militias may rule local roosts.

The Economist

Until then, the killdeer family still has the run of the roost, but thanks to their migratory patterns, they likely won't be around when students return to campus.

The Washington Post

Another brother, Narasimhan Murali, accused Mr Ram of running the paper "like a banana republic, with cronyism and vested interests ruling the roost".

Independent

The wrong man would rule the roost.

The New York Times

Why do kids rule the roost?

The New Yorker

It's as if the kids rule the roost".

The New York Times - Magazine

Designers, stage directors, etc. seem to rule the roost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run the roost" when you want to convey the idea of someone managing affairs, making decisions, and exerting influence, often within a specific environment like a home or business.

Common error

Avoid using "run the roost" in overly formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, it's an idiomatic expression best suited for informal or journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "run the roost" is as a verb phrase functioning as an idiom. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English, where it acts as a descriptor for someone holding a position of control or authority.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Travel

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run the roost" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who is in charge or in control, as Ludwig AI confirms. Although not as common as other expressions, with only a few examples found in Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and most appropriately used in informal or journalistic contexts. Alternatives like "be in charge" or "call the shots" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When you aim to describe someone managing affairs and wielding influence, particularly in a specific environment, "run the roost" fits the bill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in charge

This alternative is a more straightforward and neutral way of expressing control.

be in control

Similar to "be in charge", this phrase focuses on having control over a situation or people.

call the shots

This alternative suggests making the important decisions and directing actions.

wear the trousers

This idiom implies dominance, especially within a relationship or household.

rule the show

This alternative suggests having ultimate authority and directing events.

be at the helm

This phrase evokes the image of steering a ship, implying leadership and guidance.

have the upper hand

This alternative suggests having an advantage or superior position.

be the boss

This phrase is a simple and direct way of indicating someone is in a position of authority.

sit in the driver's seat

This idiom implies being in control and directing the course of events.

crack the whip

This alternative suggests enforcing discipline and maintaining control through strict measures.

FAQs

What does the idiom "run the roost" mean?

The idiom "run the roost" means to be in charge, to control, or to manage affairs, particularly within a household, business, or organization.

How can I use "run the roost" in a sentence?

You might say, "Since the manager left, Sarah has been running the roost and making all the important decisions". This indicates Sarah is currently in charge.

What are some alternatives to "run the roost"?

Some alternatives include "be in charge", "call the shots", or "be in control". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "run the roost" a formal or informal expression?

"Run the roost" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing. More formal situations might call for alternatives like "manage" or "supervise".