Often used when a person in power is giving orders, especially in an overbearing way. The military sergeant was known to order about the new recruits relentlessly.
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Negative Connotation
May imply the person ordering about is being unfair or controlling. Employees felt demoralized when their supervisor would order them about without respect.
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Personal Contexts
Can be used in personal life to describe a domineering family member or friend. At family gatherings, Uncle Joe tends to order everyone about, deciding all activities.