How to Pronounce "powers that be"
expression
ˈpaʊɝz/ /ˈðæt/, /ðət/ /ˈbi/, /bi
POW-erz that BEE
pˈaʊəz/ /ðˈæt/ /bˈiː
POW-uhz that BEE
Definition
Used to refer to the people or organizations who have power and make important decisions, especially when you don't name them directly.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpaʊɝz/ /ˈðæt/, /ðət/ /ˈbi/, /bi
British English
pˈaʊəz/ /ðˈæt/ /bˈiː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
POW-erz that BEE
UK
POW-uhz that BEE
Listen in Context
The powers that be decided to change the schedule.
We have to wait for the powers that be to approve it.
Sometimes the powers that be make strange rules.
If the powers that be want it, there's not much we can do.