How to Pronounce "rule with an iron fist"
expression
ROOL with an EYE-ern FIST
ROOL with an EYE-uhn FIST
Definition
To govern or lead with strict, harsh, or very strong control, allowing little freedom or flexibility.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɹuɫ/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈaɪɝn/ /ˈfɪst
British English
ɹˈuːl/ /wˈɪð/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈaɪən/ /fˈɪst
Simplified Pronunciation
US
ROOL with an EYE-ern FIST
UK
ROOL with an EYE-uhn FIST
Listen in Context
The king ruled with an iron fist and allowed no protests.
She ruled with an iron fist over her classroom, so all the students behaved.
The dictator ruled with an iron fist for thirty years.
If you rule with an iron fist, people might fear you, but they rarely respect you.