idiom
Rule with an iron fist
rool with an EYE-urn FIST
/ruːl wɪð ən ˈaɪərn fɪst/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
rulewithanironfist
Dictionary meaning
To govern or manage with very strict and uncompromising authority, allowing little or no dissent or freedom.
Examples
- The autocrat ruled his country with an iron fist for three decades.
- The department head ruled with an iron fist, tolerating no deviation from procedure.
Synonyms: with a heavy hand, with an iron hand
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