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
The only way this changes is if the powers that be agree to both a set of rules, and enforcement, that can hold up in court.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2026
Part of me even suspects the real reason the finale was so noncommittal about Mike and Eleven and their friends’ fates is so the powers that be can just write them back in as needed.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026
Earlier this month, the powers that be (who are clearly horny), renewed Heated Rivalry for a second season.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 22 Dec. 2025
Also, the powers that be want aircraft to be easy to evacuate in an emergency.
—New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the powers that be
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Jan. 2026
Part of me even suspects the real reason the finale was so noncommittal about Mike and Eleven and their friends’ fates is so the powers that be can just write them back in as needed.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026
Earlier this month, the powers that be (who are clearly horny), renewed Heated Rivalry for a second season.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 22 Dec. 2025
Also, the powers that be want aircraft to be easy to evacuate in an emergency.
—New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the powers that be
Cite this Entry
“The powers that be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20powers%20that%20be. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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