roughshod

[ruhf-shod] /ˈrʌfˈʃɒd/
adjective
1.
shod with horseshoes having projecting nails or points.
Idioms
2.
ride roughshod over, to treat harshly or domineeringly; override; crush:
He rode roughshod over his friends to advance himself in the business world.
Origin
1680-90; rough + shod
British Dictionary definitions for ride roughshod over

roughshod

/ˈrʌfˌʃɒd/
adjective
1.
(of a horse) shod with rough-bottomed shoes to prevent sliding
adverb
2.
ride roughshod over, to domineer over or act with complete disregard for
Word Origin and History for ride roughshod over

roughshod

adj.

also rough-shod, 1680s, from rough (adj.) + shod. Originally of horses shod with the nails projecting from the shoe, to prevent slipping.

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.