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general::
Phrase(s): exercise power over someone or something [and] exercise control over someone or something; exercise influence over someone or something
to have someone or something under one’s control or influence. • The dictator exercised power over the island for many years. • See if you can exercise some control over your appetite. • I wish I could exercise some inf luence over the committee.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs