wearing the trousers

Verb

wear the trousers (third-person singular simple present wears the trousers, present participle wearing the trousers, simple past wore the trousers, past participle worn the trousers)

1. (UK, idiomatic) Typically of a woman, to be the dominant partner in a relationship.
   • As long as I remember who's wearing the trousers / I hope he never lets me down again1987, Martin L. Gore, “Never Let Me Down Again”, in Music for the Masses, performed by Depeche Mode

   Synonyms:

   rule the roost, wear the breeches, wear the pants

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see wear, trouser.