wear the trousers
wear the trousers (idiom)
/wer ðə ˈtraʊ.zɚz/
The idiom “wear the trousers” (or “wear the pants” in American English) describes the person who holds authority and makes the main decisions in a household or relationship.
Variants
- wear the pants (American)
- wear the breeches
- wear the crown (less common)
Meaning
- Take control or be the dominant partner in a relationship, especially within a household.
- Hold the authority to make final decisions in a situation or group.
- Assume a leadership or commanding role, often traditionally associated with masculinity.
- Act assertively or take charge in a dynamic where one might not be expected to.
Synonyms: dominate; lead; command; rule; control.
Example Sentences
- She clearly wears the trousers in their marriage and handles all the finances.
- In their business partnership, it’s James who wears the trousers when it comes to major deals.
- Even in the group of friends, Mia wears the trousers and everyone follows her lead.
- He started wearing the trousers after taking over the family responsibilities.
Origin and History
The Symbolic Power of Trousers
Historically, clothing has often served as a visual indicator of status and gender roles. For centuries in Western societies, trousers were exclusively worn by men, while women traditionally wore skirts or dresses. This sartorial distinction reinforced the prevailing belief that men were the heads of households, responsible for decision-making and holding economic and social power. The act of “wearing the trousers” thus became a direct metaphor for exercising control, symbolizing the masculine role of dominance.
Evolution from “Breeches” to “Trousers”
The idiom’s roots can be traced back to an earlier form: “wear the breeches.” Breeches were a type of knee-length trousers commonly worn by men from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The shift from “breeches” to “trousers” (or “pants”) reflects the changing fashion over time, but the core meaning of the idiom remained consistent.
Earliest Mentions
While the concept existed earlier, a notable early printed appearance of a similar phrase, “who ware the breeches,” can be found in an epigram by John Harrington. This work was published posthumously in 1633, though Harrington himself died in 1612.
For the specific phrase “wear the trousers,” its earliest known appearance in print dates to a November 1880 article in The Manitoba Daily Free Press.
Country of Origin
Given the historical usage of “wear the breeches” in English literature from the 17th century, it suggests a British origin for this earlier form of the idiom. The phrase “wear the trousers” is primarily associated with British English. The American English equivalent, “wear the pants,” is thought to have emerged in the United States during the 1800s, reflecting a parallel development of the idiom based on similar societal structures.
Shifting Societal Roles
The idiom gained broader recognition and usage, particularly in the mid-20th century. Events like World War II saw many women enter the workforce, taking on roles traditionally held by men. This shift challenged long-standing gender norms and contributed to a re-evaluation of women’s roles in society. The rise of feminist movements and advancements such as the contraceptive pill in the 1950s and 1960s further empowered women, leading to discussions about power dynamics within relationships and families. Despite these societal changes, where women increasingly hold positions of authority, the idiom “wear the trousers” has endured, continuing to describe the dominant figure in a partnership.
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