the powers that be

idiom

: the people who decide what is allowed or acceptable in a group, organization, etc.

The students wanted to have a big party, but the powers that be didn't approve.

Examples of the powers that be in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And because the flight has so few passengers, the powers that be at Trailblazer refuse to let Torrance fly around a nasty-looking storm hovering in his path, as the additional fuel required would cost too much. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 June 2025

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked, and the powers that be at Tottenham are looking to capitalize on his parting gift of Champions League football. —Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 9 June 2025

Yes, Max will revert to its previous name starting this summer, and at least the powers that be are having some self-aware fun at this latest move. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 14 May 2025

Never seems to really get fixed...but the powers that be don't seem to care.... —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 15 June 2025

Rhymes for the powers that be

• actuary
• antiquary
• bolsheviki
• calliope
• chelicerae
• covenantee
• cruciferae
• diastole
• distributee
• hyperbole
• interviewee
• origami