exercise power over (someone or something)
To assert control or authority over someone or something. Even though we're adults now, my sister still tries to exercise power over me like I'm a little kid.
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 influence over the committee.