the powers that be

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. 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 Neutral · CEFR B2

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

every which way Informal · CEFR B1

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

fall in line Neutral · CEFR B1

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

get out of hand Neutral · CEFR B1

To become impossible to control.

in the hands of Neutral · CEFR B1

under the control or responsibility of someone

pave the way Neutral · CEFR B1

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.

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