rule with an iron rod

rule with an iron rod

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 rod, and moves swiftly to gain control over any entity that is not already in his grasp. She has ruled this company with an iron rod for three decades, and it's going to be difficult for her to let go of control.
See also: iron, rod, rule
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rule with an iron hand/rod, to

Stern or tyrannical rule. This term comes from Tyndall’s translation of the Bible (1526): “And he shall rule them with a rodde of yron.” It was later transferred to any kind of stern domination, either serious or ironic. For the latter, Anthony Trollope used it in Barchester Towers (1857): “In matters domestic she . . . ruled with a rod of iron.” See also iron hand (in a velvet glove).
See also: hand, iron, rule
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • iron hand (in a velvet glove), to rule with an
  • rule with an iron fist
  • rule with an iron hand
  • rule with an iron hand/rod, to
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • freshen up
  • angle
  • angling
References in periodicals archive
"But he didn't rule with an iron rod like a certain King Henry VIII."
Some managers can be terrific for the media (Ian Greaves was a classic example) but tough when it came to making decisions, others like Ferguson, Wenger and Mourinho rule with an iron rod and distance themselves from just about everyone.
He doesn't rule with an iron rod, he's not so much an Alex Ferguson andformehispeopleskillsaregreat - he was always approachable.
"People have said I've come in and tried to instill discipline and rule with an iron rod but that's not the case, not at all.
People have said I've come in and tried to instil discipline and rule with an iron rod - a big crackdown - but that's not the case at all.
You can't rule with an iron rod when it comes to dealing with the temperaments of individuals.
"Managers can no longer rule with an iron rod. You don't have to be their best mate but you do have to provide them with the kind of ambiance in which they can thrive.
People have said I've come in and tried to instil discipline and rule with an iron rod, a big crackdown, but that's not the case, not at all.