might makes right

Having superior strength or power gives one the ability to control something or enforce one's own agenda, beliefs, justice, etc. The military overthrew the government to seize control over the country. Might makes right yet again. Back in my day, might made right in school—if you were one of the weaker students, you did what the stronger ones said.

Prov. Cliché The stronger of two opponents will always control the situation. Child: How come the country with the biggest army always tells the other countries what to do? Father: Might makes right.

Superior strength can enforce one's will or dictate justice, as in The generals dismissed the parliament and imprisoned the premier-might makes right in that country , or The big boys wouldn't let the little ones use the basketball, a case of might makes right . This expression was first recorded in English about 1327.

The powerful dictate justice; the strongest are always in the right. This observation was made by the Greek philosopher Plato in The Republic (ca. 375 b.c.) and has been stated many times since, in numerous languages. Some writers applaud it, others deplore it. The poet Algernon Charles Swinburne put it ironically (A Word for the Country, ca. l880): “Where might is, the right is: Long purses make strong swords. Let weakness learn meekness: God save the House of Lords.”