# powers that be

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/powers-that-be
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially if seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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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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.