roughshod Definition
ruthless or domineering; marked by using force or violence without regard to others' feelings or rights.
Using roughshod: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "roughshod" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The new manager came in and started running roughshod over everyone's ideas.
Example
The company's roughshod treatment of its employees led to a high turnover rate.
Example
He bulldozed his way through the project, leaving a trail of roughshod decisions behind him.
roughshod Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for roughshod
Antonyms for roughshod
Phrases with roughshod
to treat someone or something in a harsh or unfair way, without considering their feelings or opinions
Example
The government has been riding roughshod over the rights of the indigenous people.
to act without regard for someone or something else, especially in a way that is harmful or damaging
Example
The new CEO ran roughshod over the company's established procedures and alienated many of the employees.
roughshod tactics
harsh or aggressive methods used to achieve a goal, often at the expense of others
Example
The politician's roughshod tactics during the campaign turned off many voters.
Origins of roughshod
from the practice of attaching horseshoes with projecting nails for greater traction, which could damage floors and other surfaces
Summary: roughshod in Brief
'Roughshod' [ruhf-shod] describes a person or action that is ruthless, domineering, or marked by using force or violence without regard to others' feelings or rights. It is often used to describe a person who is oppressive or tyrannical, as in 'The new manager came in and started running roughshod over everyone's ideas.' The phrase 'ride/run roughshod over someone/something' denotes treating someone or something harshly or unfairly, while 'roughshod tactics' refers to aggressive methods used to achieve a goal.
