might makes right

1. Superior strength can enforce one's will or dictate justice, as in The generals dismissed the parliament and imprisoned the premier—might makes right in that country, or The big boys wouldn't let the little ones use the basketball, a case of might makes right. This expression was first recorded in English about 1327.

Example Sentences

They preach that might makes right.

From Los Angeles Times

That is something that we are trying to build differently than China—we’re trying to say, Hey, look, we’re not a nation that is going to try to bully other nations and use the “Might Makes Right” type of approach to foreign policy.

From Slate

Trump wants to take Greenland from Denmark, make Canada the 51st state and retake the Panama Canal, threats reflecting his view that might makes right.

From Los Angeles Times

"Might makes right" may start in controlling other people's uteruses, but swiftly leads to trying to control their minds.

From Salon

In a post on X, Republican House candidate Brandon Gill of Texas lamented what he viewed as “raw power” rather than an “equally applied legal system” in the charges being brought against Trump: “Might makes right,” he said.

From Seattle Times