iron hand

[ahy-ern hand]

noun

1. strict, harsh, or autocratic, often ruthless control.

   The general governed the country with an iron hand.

iron hand

noun

1. harsh or rigorous control; overbearing or autocratic force

   he ruled with an iron hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of iron hand¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Idioms and Phrases

Rigorous control, as in He ruled the company with an iron hand. This usage is sometimes put as iron hand in a velvet glove, meaning “firm but seemingly gentle control,” as in She runs the town with an iron hand in a velvet glove. [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

Museveni's critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized power as a rebel leader in 1986.

From BBC

They are the Soviet nostalgics, longing to be ruled by Stalin’s iron hand.

From Salon

This subject is governed by fear, surrendering their agency to the grip of cult-like devotion and the iron hand of strongman figures.

From Salon

Mr Museveni is accused by his critics of ruling Uganda with an iron hand since taking power in 1986, but his supporters praise him for maintaining stability in the East African state.

From BBC

His critics say Mr Kagame's thundering majorities come as no surprise as he rules with an iron hand.

From BBC