Who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?

usgb
phrase

Used to question someone's authority or right to give orders or make a decision.

Who are you to tell me what I can or can't do?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to question someone's authority or right to give orders or make a decision

Often appears as...

  • who am i to judge?
  • who are you to decide?

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to express humility or a sense of not being significant in the context.

Who am I, a simple salesperson, to critique the CEO's decision?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to express humility or a sense of not being significant in the context

Often appears as...

  • who am i to interrupt?
  • who am i to question?
phrase

Used to reinforce personal identity or individuality in a situation.

I am an artist, who are you to tell me to compromise my vision for profit?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to reinforce personal identity or individuality in a situation

Often appears as...

  • who are you to define me?
  • who are they to label us?
phrase

Used to seek clarification about someone's identity or role in a given context.

You are giving orders, but who are you to do that?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to seek clarification about someone's identity or role in a given context

Often appears as...

  • who are you to act like this?
  • who am i to say no?
phrase

Used to question someone's authority or right to give orders or make a decision.

Who are you to tell me what I can or can't do?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to question someone's authority or right to give orders or make a decision

Often appears as...

  • who am i to judge?
  • who are you to decide?

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to express humility or a sense of not being significant in the context.

Who am I, a simple salesperson, to critique the CEO's decision?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to express humility or a sense of not being significant in the context

Often appears as...

  • who am i to interrupt?
  • who am i to question?
phrase

Used to reinforce personal identity or individuality in a situation.

I am an artist, who are you to tell me to compromise my vision for profit?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to reinforce personal identity or individuality in a situation

Often appears as...

  • who are you to define me?
  • who are they to label us?
phrase

Used to seek clarification about someone's identity or role in a given context.

You are giving orders, but who are you to do that?
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?" - Used to seek clarification about someone's identity or role in a given context

Often appears as...

  • who are you to act like this?
  • who am i to say no?
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Questioning Authority

Use it to challenge someone who seems to overstep their power or position.

Illustration for Questioning Authority
Who are you to cancel the meeting without asking us?
LampPro Tip 2/2

Emphasize Hierarchy

This phrase often highlights a perceived imbalance in social or professional hierarchy.

Illustration for Emphasize Hierarchy
Who is he to discipline the manager, he's just an intern?
Visual representation of the word "Who am I, who are you, etc. to do something?"

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