rule with a rod of iron

Related to rule with a rod of iron: rule with an iron fist

rule with a rod of iron

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

rule someone or something with a rod of iron

control or govern someone or something very strictly or harshly.
This expression comes from Psalm 2:9: ‘Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel’.
See also: iron, of, rod, rule, someone, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

rule (somebody/something) with a rod of ˈiron/with an iron ˈhand

(informal) control somebody/something in a very strong or strict way: They ruled the country with an iron hand and anybody who protested was arrested.
See also: hand, iron, of, rod, rule
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rule someone or something with a rod of iron
  • rule with a rod of iron/with an iron hand
  • rule with an iron fist
  • rule with an iron hand
  • rule with an iron hand/rod, to
  • rule with an iron rod
  • iron hand (in a velvet glove), to rule with an
  • rule with a velvet glove
  • (Someone or something) called, they want their (something) back!
  • a bad apple spoils the (whole) barrel