rule (someone) with a rod of iron

British, American & Australian, American & Australian

to control a group of people very firmly, having complete power over everything that they do.

For 17 years she ruled the country with a rod of iron.

My uncle rules the family business with an iron hand.

• have your heart set on
• have your heart set on doing something
• have your heart set on something
• have your knife into
• have your knife into someone
• have your mind on
• have your mind on something
• have your moments
• have your name in lights
• have your nose in a book
• have your nose in the air
• have your pick of
• have your pick of something
• have your share of
• have your share of something
• have your sights set on
• have your sights set on doing something
• have your sights set on something
• have your wicked way with
• have your wicked way with someone
• have your wits about
• have your wits about you
• have your work cut out
• have your work cut out for
• have your work cut out for you