Behave/act as if you own the place
phrase
To act very confidently and comfortably, as if you are in charge in a situation or place.
He just walked into the office and took over the meeting, behaving as if he owned the place.
Often appears as...
- walk in like you own the place
- struts around like they own the place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To show a rudeness or lack of respect for others present by acting as if you are the most important person.
She always acts like she owns the place, ignoring the rules and doing whatever she wants.
Often appears as...
- ignored the rules like they own the place
- puts feet up like they own the place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To act very confidently and comfortably, as if you are in charge in a situation or place.
He just walked into the office and took over the meeting, behaving as if he owned the place.
Often appears as...
- walk in like you own the place
- struts around like they own the place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To show a rudeness or lack of respect for others present by acting as if you are the most important person.
She always acts like she owns the place, ignoring the rules and doing whatever she wants.
Often appears as...
- ignored the rules like they own the place
- puts feet up like they own the place
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Perception
Using this phrase can suggest arrogance, inappropriate in formal or unfamiliar settings.
His first day at work, and he's already acting as if he owns the place.
Pro Tip 2/3Assertive Tone
It can express admiration for someone's confidence when used positively.
She walked in and acted as if she owned the place, impressing the judges.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Not literal ownership but a metaphor for displaying dominant behavior.
He's not the boss, but he behaves as if he owns the place.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Perception
Using this phrase can suggest arrogance, inappropriate in formal or unfamiliar settings.
His first day at work, and he's already acting as if he owns the place.
Pro Tip 2/3Assertive Tone
It can express admiration for someone's confidence when used positively.
She walked in and acted as if she owned the place, impressing the judges.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Not literal ownership but a metaphor for displaying dominant behavior.
He's not the boss, but he behaves as if he owns the place.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Perception
Using this phrase can suggest arrogance, inappropriate in formal or unfamiliar settings.
His first day at work, and he's already acting as if he owns the place.
Pro Tip 2/3Assertive Tone
It can express admiration for someone's confidence when used positively.
She walked in and acted as if she owned the place, impressing the judges.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Not literal ownership but a metaphor for displaying dominant behavior.
He's not the boss, but he behaves as if he owns the place.
Never forget "Behave/act as if you own the place"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension