# iron fist

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/iron-fist
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Ruthless and usually unrestricted control.

## Examples

- The manager rules the office with an iron fist.
- The dictator controlled every aspect of the country's daily life with an iron fist.
- Although the company appeared democratic on the surface, the CEO governed the entire organization with an iron fist, allowing no dissent from his subordinates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.