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

It was a shocking accusation by a reporter who covered the White House and Pentagon, but, according to Halberstam’s media history “The Powers That Be,” the article helped Mr. Sheehan gain the trust of Daniel Ellsberg, his link to the Pentagon Papers.

From Washington Post

It was a shocking accusation by a reporter who covered the White House and Pentagon, but, according to Halberstam’s media history “The Powers That Be,” the article helped Sheehan gain the trust of Daniel Ellsberg, his link to the Pentagon Papers.

From Seattle Times

Under pressure, Mr Bouteflika eventually resigned in April, but that wasn't enough to quell the protesters' anger at "le pouvoir" - in English, "the powers that be" - the clique of generals, businessmen, and ruling party politicians that has for years surrounded the president.

From BBC

Murray’s recent play has caused an uptick in attention paid to doubles this summer, but he agreed that it is the responsibility of the powers that be — the ATP tour, Grand Slams, broadcast rights holders and tournaments — to promote the game more year round.

From Washington Post