powers that be, the

Idioms  

1. Those in control, the authorities, as in Our plan was vetoed by the powers that be. This expression appeared in William Tyndale's 1526 translation of the Bible (Romans 13:1): “The powers that be are ordained of God.”

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Example Sentences

Any satire worth its weight in talking animals is really a warning — to the powers that be, the complicit and anyone who thinks nothing so terrible could ever happen to them.

From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2022

"They wanted to do this. The powers that be, the president of Cannes and everyone, set this up. And it's just amazing. We're pinching ourselves and just trying to soak up every moment."

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2018

But unfortunately, the powers that be, the people that should take action, are the very people indicted by these leaks.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2016

But Theodore Roosevelt and his attitude toward the powers that be, the status quo, the economic, social and political order, certainly did begin to penetrate my heart.

From Time Magazine Archive

Somewhat confused at the sudden appearance of the powers that be, the perspiring harbinger of bons mots relapsed into an uncomfortable and depressing silence.

From No Man's Land by McNeile, H. C. (Herman Cyril)