(Personal Pronoun) wear(s) the pants in (possessive pronoun) family.
Meaning: (Personal pronoun) is the one who makes the decisions in their family.
Origin: Dates back to the early 20th century in the United States. It refers to the idea of a person, typically a man, being the dominant or authoritative figure in their family or relationship. The phrase stems from the traditional gender roles of the time, where men were seen as the head of the household and were responsible for making important decisions.
The origins of the phrase are rooted in the concept of masculinity and power dynamics within a family unit. It implies that the person who "wears the pants" is the one who holds the most influence and control over the family's affairs. The phrase has evolved over time and is now used more broadly to refer to any individual who holds authority or leadership in a relationship or family setting, regardless of gender.