pull rank

Idioms  

1. Use one's higher status to compel obedience or obtain privileges, as in She hated pulling rank in the office, but sometimes it was necessary. This term comes from the military. [c. 1920]

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Example Sentences

Here, even the Bravo nepo babies don’t try to pull rank.

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2025

“Hinrich is one of my all-time favorite players, so I may have to see if I can pull rank and get in there and buy it before anyone else,” Lochmann joked.

From Washington Times • Jul. 22, 2021

On our public lands, no one can pull rank on you — except a bear.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2018

It’s one thing to pull rank on a cowering lizard like Pete Campbell.

From Slate • May 14, 2012

I'd never known Miller to pull rank on any of the bunch.

From Stamped Caution by Gallun, Raymond Z.