Phrase guide

stick it to the man

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To take some action intended to defy a source of oppression such as globalization, commercialization, big business or government (on a large scale) or individual leaders and authorities like teachers, bosses, police, or politicians.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal, intransitive

Examples

  • Paula not only told her boss that she quit but also told him to shut up. Way to stick it to the man!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 反抗權威 /反抗权威 (fǎnkàng quánwēi) — take action to defy oppression
  • Finnish: pitää pintansa — take action to defy oppression
  • Finnish: pitää puolensa — take action to defy oppression
  • Portuguese: que se lixe o poder — take action to defy oppression