at the mercy of

phrase

: wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against
We were at the mercy of the weather.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at the mercy of was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At the mercy of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20mercy%20of. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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