the pen is mightier than the sword
More influence and power can be usurped by writing than by fighting.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The pen is mightier than the sword in many arguments.”
“The journalist exposed the corruption through her articles, proving once again that the pen is mightier than the sword.”
“History shows that while armies may conquer land, the pen is mightier than the sword when it comes to changing the hearts and minds of a nation.”
first recorded 19th c.
This phrasing due to Bulwer-Lytton, 1839. The sentiment is traditional, and has many antecedents; see Wikipedia.
- 01
beat one's swords into ploughshares
To refrain from destructive military or paramilitary acts (war, terrorism, etc.) and put energy and resources to peaceful ends that would otherwise go to violence.
- 02
cross swords
To quarrel or argue with someone; to have a dispute with someone.
- 03
fall on one's sword
To resign from a job or other position of responsibility, especially when pressured to do so.
- 04
flesh one's maiden sword
To experience or succeed in combat or struggle for the first time, as in the military or in politics.
- 05
high and mighty
Overbearingly arrogant; ostentatiously self-important or self-aggrandizing.
- 06
measure swords with
To match one's abilities against an antagonist's.
- 07
pen picture
A written description, often biographical.
- 08
poison pen
A manner, means, or tone of expression had by a written work, characterized by spitefulness, defamation, and/or intimidation directed toward a person, organization, or point of view.
Last updated August 10, 2026