roughshod

[ ruhf-shod ]
/ ˈrʌfˈʃɒd /

adjective

shod with horseshoes having projecting nails or points.

Idioms for roughshod

    ride roughshod over, to treat harshly or domineeringly; override; crush: He rode roughshod over his friends to advance himself in the business world.

Origin of roughshod

First recorded in 1680–90; rough + shod

British Dictionary definitions for ride roughshod over

roughshod
/ (ˈrʌfˌʃɒd) /

adjective

(of a horse) shod with rough-bottomed shoes to prevent sliding

adverb

ride roughshod over to domineer over or act with complete disregard for

Idioms and Phrases with ride roughshod over

ride roughshod over

Act without regard for the feelings or interests of others, as in She just forges on, riding roughshod over her colleagues. This term alludes to the practice of arming horses with horseshoes mounted with projecting nails or points, which both gave them better traction and served as a weapon against fallen enemy soldiers. By 1800 it was being used figuratively for bullying behavior.