the powers that be
idiom
: the people who decide what is allowed or acceptable in a group, organization, etc.
The students wanted to have a big party, but the powers that be didn't approve.
Examples of the powers that be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the powers that be likely haven't heard star Adam Scott's bright idea.
—
Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 27 July 2025
The day before the festival began, the powers that be randomly decided to ban nudity and voluminous dresses from the red carpet.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 May 2025
There’s people that are getting into trouble because the powers that be are scared, too.
—Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Both sports are moving into new eras following decades of neglect by the powers that be.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the powers that be
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Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 27 July 2025
The day before the festival began, the powers that be randomly decided to ban nudity and voluminous dresses from the red carpet.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 24 May 2025
There’s people that are getting into trouble because the powers that be are scared, too.
—Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Both sports are moving into new eras following decades of neglect by the powers that be.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the powers that be
Cite this Entry
“The powers that be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20powers%20that%20be. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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