How to Pronounce "the powers that be"
expression
thuh POW-erz that bee
thuh POW-uhz that bee
Definition
A phrase referring to people or organizations who have control or authority over a situation, such as leaders, bosses, or officials.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpaʊɝz/ /ˈðæt/, /ðət/ /ˈbi/, /bi
British English
ðə, ði/ /pˈaʊəz/ /ðˈæt/ /bˈiː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
thuh POW-erz that bee
UK
thuh POW-uhz that bee
Listen in Context
The powers that be decided to change the school schedule.
We have to wait for the powers that be to approve this plan.
Only the powers that be can fix this problem.
It looks like the powers that be aren't listening to our suggestions.