powers that be
The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially if seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The powers that be decided to close the park early.”
“The powers that be often ignore the needs of the local residents.”
“We wanted to change the office policy, but the powers that be refused to listen to our suggestions.”
“I hope the powers that be finally approve the budget for our new community garden project next month.”
“Although the teachers want to start the school day later, the powers that be at the district office disagree.”
“Despite the staff's collective protest against the new regulations, the powers that be remained unmoved, insisting that the current structure was necessary for long-term stability.”
After Romans 13:1 in the Tyndale Bible and the King James Version. The phrase is a translation of the Ancient Greek αἱ οὖσαι ἐξουσίαι (hai oûsai exousíai, “the existing authorities”). “Be” is the archaic third-person plural present indicative form, equivalent to the modern “are”, not a subjunctive.
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brown power
The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.
- 02
come to power
To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.
- 03
grey power
The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.
- 04
poor power
Limited ability.
- 05
power behind the throne
Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.
- 06
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.
- 07
power grab
An attempt to gain authority in an oppressive or unscrupulous way.
- 08
power lunch
A working lunch at which bosses make business decisions or hold important discussions.
Last updated August 10, 2026