Word for my way or the highway

My way or the highway is an idiom that originated in the United States in the 1960s. We will examine the meaning of the idiom my way or the highway, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences.

My way or the highway is an admonishment to do things the way that I tell you to do them, or do not participate. My way or the highway is an ultimatum that means fulfill my requirements or do not participate. The image is of one either conforming to expectations or driving away down the highway. My way or the highway is an idiom that is used when the listener does not have any option or recourse. For instance, a boss who insists that a job must be executed in a certain manner might use the idiom my way or the highway. His employee know that this means either do the job in the manner that the boss expects him to, or quit. The earliest known users of the idiom my way or the highway are American football coaches, such as Vince Lombardi and Bill Parcells.

Examples

Keyes said she was concerned about the “my way or the highway approach” administration is taking while working with teachers and support staff. (The Beloit Daily News)

Revisiting them could lead us away from the current gridlock that comes from the prevalent “my way or the highway” approach to governing. (The La Porte County Herald-Argus)

“But you cannot come to a conclusion if the president of the United States says ‘My way or the highway, there’s nothing to negotiate and, by the way, I am willing to hold the American, our federal workers hostage to my view,’” she said. (The Washington Post)

Meaning of Idiom ‘My Way or the Highway’

When someone says my way or the highway, they are giving an ultimatum that means you either have to do what they say or leave or be excluded; agree or leave.

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Usage

This idiom is often comparted to take it or leave it, which means to accept or reject an offer as it stands. There will be no negotiation. This idiom is similar except it means you must either do what someone says or agree with what they say or go away, with no possibility for discussion.

Examples Of Use

“If you want to live in this house, said dad, it’s my way or the highway. You’ll be home by 10:30.”

“If you want to be on this team there is one rule,” said the coach. “It’s my way or the highway.”

“Tom’s the boss. He’s not exactly a tyrant but it’s pretty much his way or the highway.”

Origin

This idiom has been used since the 1970s, chiefly in America.

In English, a highway is any major road such as one connecting big towns or cities or an expressway. Here, it is used to represent a journey or trip to another place.

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