hold court

To be surrounded by (a lot of) people, typically supporters, admirers, or subordinates, and have their full attention. My father was considered one of the leaders in his small town, and he would often hold court with people from the community in our kitchen. The manager makes a point of holding court in the board room once a week to make sure everyone is on the same page. I thought all politicians loved to hold court and get the plaudits they feel so entitled to.

Be surrounded by and command the attention of admirers, subordinates, or hangers-on. For example, After a match Judy generally held court in the locker room. This expression alludes to royalty convening courtiers as well as a judge convening a court of law.

COMMON If you hold court, you are surrounded by people who listen to what you say because they consider you interesting or important. Ray, as ever, was holding court at the end of the table. She used to hold court in the college canteen, surrounded by a crowd of admirers. Note: This expression is often used to suggest that the person holding court is rather self-important and does not deserve this attention and admiration. Note: `Court' in this expression refers to the court of a king or queen.