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

References in periodicals archive ?

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.

Valverde vindicates Barca's decision to opt for him

Today we hear again the sound of 'wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children' The Herods of this world continue to rise and rule with an iron fist.

Change has come, since 2,000 years ago

The changing of the guard will be gradual, There's no oligarch at Goodison able to rule with an iron fist.

No oligarchs... just a gradual changing of the guard; BLUES ON SUNDAY COMMENT

Zionist and Israeli gains in Palestine gave Arab military regimes an excuse to rule with an iron fist and prevent any democratic transformations.

Why Arab violence spiked this week

And when top stars Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata return to training at United's Carrington headquarters tomorrow they'll see a determined Dutchman ready to rule with an iron fist.

'Iron fist' LVG gets Man Utd in shape

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.

Our daily journey: The Christ

Allen was said to rule with an iron fist and one complainant said that everyone knew that everyone was being abused.

'Boys were picked out, groomed and turned into his favourites' SEX ABUSE TRIAL OF EX-CHILDREN'S HOME BOSS

They rule with an iron fist and force their minions to carry out killings on their behalf.

A long road

Critics view Sisi as another strongman who will rule with an iron fist, protect the interests of the military and crush dissent the same way his predecessors did.

Sisi won 96.91 percent in Egypt's presidential vote-commission

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.

CA boss says India deserves 'lion's share' of cricket revenue for 'hiring out' team to ICC

Billionaire president Nazarbayev has been in control of the country since 1989 and is said to rule with an iron fist.

Kanye West criticised for Kazakhstan performance

However," he said, "they continue to rule with an iron fist.

Rights activists appalled by doctor's acquittal in virginity tests case

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.

Gatland breaks silence to defend Henson and Powell

But the modern footballer will not respond if you try to rule with an iron fist - or a big long stick

A chair -raising trip with bad boy Craig; Second part of our John Carver special interview

HARD ACTS TO FOLLOW: Lennon must rule with an iron fist like McNeill, top left, and Hay in new Celtic regime