English idiom

the powers that be

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

the people who hold authority and make important decisions

Why this phrase?

A fixed phrase for those in authority; the old grammar ('that be') is preserved.

Example

“The powers that be decided to cut our budget.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

take a back seat

to accept a less active or less important role and let others lead

every which way

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

fall in line

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

get out of hand

To become impossible to control.

in the hands of

under the control or responsibility of someone

pave the way

to make it easier for something else to happen or develop

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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