Iron fist Meaning in English
expression
EYE-urn FIST
EYE-uhn FIST
Definition
'Iron fist' is an expression describing very strict, harsh, or forceful control or leadership, often with little mercy or flexibility.
Usage & Nuances
Semi-formal or informal; often used critically for authoritarian style leadership. Common with 'rule with an iron fist', 'govern with an iron fist'. Do not use literally for someone with a metal hand.
Spanish: puño de hierroPortuguese (BR): mão de ferroPortuguese (PT): mão de ferroChinese (Simplified): 铁腕（控制）Chinese (Traditional): 鐵腕（控制）Hindi: लोहे की मुट्ठीArabic: قبضة من حديدBengali: লোহা মুষ্টি - কঠোর শাসনRussian: железный кулакJapanese: 鉄の拳 - 強権Vietnamese: bàn tay sắtKorean: 철권 - 강압적 통치Turkish: demir yumrukUrdu: آہنی ہاتھIndonesian: tangan besi
Example Sentences
The king ruled with an iron fist.
basic
The boss manages his team with an iron fist.
basic
Some countries are ruled by an iron fist.
basic
She's tough—she runs the department with an iron fist and doesn't tolerate mistakes.
natural
The dictator's iron fist made people afraid to speak freely.
natural
You can't just use an iron fist to solve every problem—sometimes you need compassion.
natural