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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.



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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But when we lower ourselves to play according to their rules, when we concede the idea that might makes right, that we settle our disagreements with force rather than debate, then we lose the very thing we were fighting for, and that is our identity as Americans.

They preach that might makes right.

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Salon

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