ENGLISH
REFERENCE

power of the pencil

idiom
Meaning

The authority to charge a punter's gambling or other bills to the casino.


Examples
SIMPLE

The manager used the power of the pencil to clear my losses.

CONTEXTUAL

After a long night at the tables, the high roller asked the host to use the power of the pencil.

COMPLEX

The casino host exercised the power of the pencil, effectively erasing the guest's substantial debt to ensure his return for the next season.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    brown power

    The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.

  2. 02

    come to power

    To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.

  3. 03

    grey power

    The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.

  4. 04

    pencil in

    To provisionally schedule.

  5. 05

    pencil whip

    To approve a document without actually knowing or reviewing what it is that is being approved.

  6. 06

    poor power

    Limited ability.

  7. 07

    power behind the throne

    Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.

  8. 08

    power coffee

    A working session or seminar at which important discussions may be held, and important decisions made, over servings of coffee or at a coffeehouse.

© 2026 English Reference