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 film explores the rise of political partisanship and corporate control of the media, and shows how Oliphant used biting wit and masterful draftsmanship to take on the powers that be.
World Premiere.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2025
That in turn has led us to this moment, when the powers that be are seeking to undo those gains.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
But along the way, the powers that be began to play fast and loose with continuity.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
We could've just been thrown right into the heat of battle, yet director Tim Longo (who would shepherd Halo 5 a decade later), the team of writers, and the powers that be at LucasArts decided to hit the ground walking instead of running.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Apr. 2025
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Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2025
That in turn has led us to this moment, when the powers that be are seeking to undo those gains.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
But along the way, the powers that be began to play fast and loose with continuity.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 24 Apr. 2025
We could've just been thrown right into the heat of battle, yet director Tim Longo (who would shepherd Halo 5 a decade later), the team of writers, and the powers that be at LucasArts decided to hit the ground walking instead of running.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Apr. 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 23 May. 2025.
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