rule with an iron fist/hand
phrase
chiefly US
: to rule a country, area, group, etc., in a very strict and often cruel way
The dictator ruled (the country) with an iron fist.
Cite this Entry
“Rule with an iron fist/hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20with%20an%20iron%20fist%2Fhand. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
