order someone to do something; use (tools, animals)
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to order someone to do something; to boss someone around
Often implies a hierarchical relationship where one person has authority over another. Can carry a slight negative connotation of treating someone like a servant, depending on context.
Don't always order the child to do housework; let him play for a while too.
He's a big boss now; nobody can boss him around anymore.
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The child is grown up now, has their own ideas, and can't be ordered around so easily.
verb
to use; to operate; to handle (tools, animals, etc.)
informalOften used in spoken contexts for using tools, equipment, or domestic animals. Emphasizes the act of handling or making something work.
The new agricultural tools are very handy to use.
This horse won't obey strangers; you have to get familiar with it first.
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He doesn't know how to use this software, so his work progress is very slow.