Lord it over

They were in a manner absolute despots in their little domains, lording it, if so disposed, over both law and gospel, and accountable to none but the mother-country.

Mr. and Mrs. Bumble, deprived of their situations, were gradually reduced to great indigence and misery, and finally became paupers in that very same workhouse in which they had once lorded it over others.

Peter was a little annoyed with them for knowing so much, but if he wanted to lord it over them his triumph was at hand.

The Delhi Durbar of 1911 saw King George V and Queen Mary bedecked in sapphires and rubies lording it over half a million Indian subjects.

It’s people who are really lost and don’t have anything, so they’re desperately trying to make themselves feel better by acquiring, by lording it over people, by being powerful and wealthy. They’re damaged people doing so much damage.