From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishpull rank (on somebody)pull rank (on somebody)informal to use your authority over someone to make them do what you want, especially unfairly You may just have to pull rank and tell them. → rankExamples from the Corpuspull rank (on somebody)• I do not enjoy pulling rank, but I do not tolerate unmanly gossip and back-biting.• He pulled rank and went to bed at half past eleven, leaving me on for the late-night drinks.• In the end, Naughtie pulled rank, and took on the task himself.• She never acted like an authority figure or pulled rank on me.• Vi had the situation under control but the chief could, and probably would, pull rank.
