# the pen is mightier than the sword

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sword
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

More influence and power can be usurped by writing than by fighting.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

This phrasing due to Bulwer-Lytton, 1839. The sentiment is traditional, and has many antecedents; see Wikipedia.

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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.