iron hand

American  

[ahy-ern hand] / ˈaɪ ərn ˈhænd /

noun

1. strict, harsh, or autocratic, often ruthless control.

   The general governed the country with an iron hand.

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iron hand British  

noun

1. harsh or rigorous control; overbearing or autocratic force

   he ruled with an iron hand

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iron hand Idioms  

1. Rigorous control, as in He ruled the company with an iron hand. This usage is sometimes put as iron hand in a velvet glove, meaning “firm but seemingly gentle control,” as in She runs the town with an iron hand in a velvet glove. [c. 1700]

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Etymology

Origin of iron hand

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Museveni's critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized power as a rebel leader in 1986.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

Otherwise, corruption inevitably will reign with an iron hand and a steel boot.

From Slate • May 19, 2022

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan with an iron hand from 1996 to 2001 before being ousted by U.S.-led forces.

From Reuters • Oct. 14, 2021

John Bolton met Thursday with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the nation of 10 million with an iron hand for a quarter century, showing little tolerance to dissent and independent media.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 29, 2019

It felt as if an iron hand had gripped his heart and was pulling it out between his ribs, so that he pressed his hands to the place and vainly tried to hold it in.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman