rule with an iron fist/hand

idiom

chiefly US
: to rule a country, area, group, etc., in a very strict and often cruel way
The dictator ruled (the country) with an iron fist.

Examples of rule with an iron fist/hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shah won't be a lame duck and is set to rule with an iron fist. — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 Leaders who are accessible and relatable are far more likely to build trust with their teams than those who guard themselves or rule with an iron fist. — Cicely Simpson, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

rule the roost
rule with an iron fist/hand
rule with a rod of iron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rule with an iron fist/hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20with%20an%20iron%20fist%2Fhand. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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