The phrase 'mistress of the house' refers to the woman who manages a household. However, there are multiple synonyms that can be used depending on the context and the tone of the sentence. Some of the alternatives to 'mistress of the house' are 'lady of the house', 'hostess', 'homemaker', 'housewife' and 'domestic engineer'. While 'lady of the house' and 'hostess' imply a more sociable and welcoming approach, 'homemaker', 'housewife' and 'domestic engineer' focus majorly on the individual's ability to manage the household and family. These synonyms may seem interchangeable, but they can convey different meanings and perceptions depending on the context they are used in.