in (one's) power
1. Under one's control. Now that the military in his power, a coup is all but certain. I wouldn't cross the mob boss—he has several enforcers in his power, and they wouldn't hesitate to come after you on his say-so. I don't understand how he has so many people in his power and willing to do his bidding It's like a cult!
2. Within one's ability. Who cares if you don't have tons of money? It's still in your power to give your kids a happy life. Now that her illness has stopped responding to medication, the doctors are doing everything in their power to make her comfortable. A: "I will do everything in my power to protect her." B: "Even if it means leaving her? Your relationship with her is the whole reason she's in danger, man."
in power
Having some degree of political power, as through election or appointment. I don't know how people could have put such a brutal tyrant in power. Everyone knows the government has been putting puppets in power around the world to further its own interests. How can anyone vote for that candidate? Who genuinely thinks that a 19-year-old moron like him should be in power?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.