执牛耳zhí niú ěr[of an ancient prince presiding over a ceremony marking the conclusion of an alliance] hold the plate on which the ears of a sacrificial bull lie—be the acknowledged leader ;occupy a leading position;rule the roost
❍ 总司令死后，这位将军的野心是由他自己来～，统管三军。After the death of the commander-in-chief,the ambition of that general was to be the acknowledged leader himself,commanding the three armed services. 执牛耳zhi niu erhold the plate on which li.e.the ears of a sacrificial bull—occupy a leading position 执牛耳(of an ancient prince presiding over a ceremony marking the conclusion of an alliance)hold the plate on which lie the ears he cut off from a sacrificial bull—be the acknowledged leader;hold the leading position;rule the roost |