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
Seems like the powers that be at Costco have recognized this problem and are testing out some new technology that could help solve it.
—
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Right now, the powers that be in America, humorless and self-aggrandizing, are hell-bent on running down whatever lies in their path.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Just a year after the College Football Playoff went from four teams to 12, the powers that be are in serious discussions about changing the format again.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Recognizing the powers that be is essential, Rogen told USA TODAY at the March 7 premiere.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the powers that be
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Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Right now, the powers that be in America, humorless and self-aggrandizing, are hell-bent on running down whatever lies in their path.
—Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Just a year after the College Football Playoff went from four teams to 12, the powers that be are in serious discussions about changing the format again.
—Sam Settleman, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Recognizing the powers that be is essential, Rogen told USA TODAY at the March 7 premiere.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 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 7 Jun. 2025.
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