# power of the pencil

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/power-of-the-pencil
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The manager used the power of the pencil to clear my losses.
- After a long night at the tables, the high roller asked the host to use the power of the pencil.
- The casino host exercised the power of the pencil, effectively erasing the guest's substantial debt to ensure his return for the next season.

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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.