rule with an iron fist

rule with an iron fist

To rule, govern, or control a group or population with complete, typically tyrannical authority over all aspects of life, work, etc. A noun or pronoun can be used between "rule" and "with." He rules with an iron fist, and moves swiftly to gain control over any entity that is not already in his grasp. She has ruled this company with an iron fist for three decades, and it's going to be difficult for her to let go of control.
See also: fist, iron, rule
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rule with an iron fist

Fig. to rule in a very stern manner. The dictator ruled with an iron fist and terrified the citizens. My boss rules with an iron fist. I'm looking for a new job.
See also: fist, iron, rule
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • iron hand (in a velvet glove), to rule with an
  • rule with an iron hand
  • rule with an iron hand/rod, to
  • rule with an iron rod
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • freshen up
  • angle
  • angling
References in periodicals archive
For the Philippines, the website reported: "Internal unrest is the primary threat to the stability of the Philippinesleadership continues to rule with an iron fist." An advantage the Philippines can have over Canada, considering the factors of manpower, is its higher population of 105.9 million against Canada's 35.8 million.
Jim doesn't rule with an iron fist at all - a lot of this is decided by the lads.
And with such results, the Marcos machinery had all the legal justification it needed to rule with an iron fist.
Sure, there's an overriding darkness to the universe he shows us, where The Empire rule with an iron fist in collusion with organised criminal gangs, where people do desperate things just to survive, but Solo, as ever, does his own thing, with a wry smile and a blaster in his hand.
But Ajer insists he can rule with an iron fist at Hampden to help Celts blaze their way in to the history books.
Valverde has won the respect of the dressing room with courteous treatment of his staff, the highest level of tactical nous and the discipline to rule with an iron fist as and when necessary.
The changing of the guard will be gradual, There's no oligarch at Goodison able to rule with an iron fist.
John couldn't have understood the full meaning of his words: The Christ would not rule with an iron fist but rather lay down His life, like a lamb, for the sake of love.
Allen was said to rule with an iron fist and one complainant said that everyone knew that everyone was being abused.
CA's board of directors on Friday backed the reforms championed by India, Australia and England and as at least four of the 10 Test-playing nations are almost broke and almost all members depend on India for survival, it therefore, allows the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to rule with an iron fist.
Billionaire president Nazarbayev has been in control of the country since 1989 and is said to rule with an iron fist.
"However," he said, "they continue to rule with an iron fist."
You can't rule with an iron fist because you are going to end up with a situation where groups go sneaking off behind everyone's backs.
They also share a long tradition of internal rule with an iron fist -- a trend that they have justified by citing insecurity, even though they themselves have frequently been the cause of internal and regional destabilization.
He won't rule with an iron fist. He's going to be the sort of manager who rules through reward.