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
There’s people that are getting into trouble because the powers that be are scared, too.
—
Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Both sports are moving into new eras following decades of neglect by the powers that be.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Naturally, the powers that be don’t necessarily appreciate her no-nonsense skills.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 July 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, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the powers that be
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Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Both sports are moving into new eras following decades of neglect by the powers that be.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Naturally, the powers that be don’t necessarily appreciate her no-nonsense skills.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 8 July 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, 8 June 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 29 Jul. 2025.
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