Ride roughshod over

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Meaning

To trample or push through, no care.

Origin

From 17th-century England, tied to cavalry; 'roughshod' for spiked shoes, slang by 1680s in a play for crush. A 1810 Scott tale uses it for a ride.

Variants

  • Ride rough

Usage Examples

  • She rode roughshod over their objections.
  • Ride roughshod over; don't care who's hurt.
  • He's riding roughshod; rules smashed.

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