die Hosen anhaben

to wear the trousers; to be in charge

Origin

From a time when only men wore trousers and ruled the household and society; whoever "wore the trousers" was in charge. Today used gender-neutrally for "to dominate".

Source

Building blocks

Words in this expression

Examples

  • In hat sie die Hosen an.

    In this relationship she clearly wears the trousers.