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In idiomatic English, " the powers that be " (sometimes initialized as TPTB) is a phrase used to refer to those individuals or groups who collectively hold authority over a particular domain. [1] Within this phrase, the word be is an archaic variant of are rather than a subjunctive be.
Jun 14, 2024 · The meaning of THE POWERS THAT BE is the people who decide what is allowed or acceptable in a group, organization, etc.. How to use the powers that be in a sentence.
idiom. Add to word list. important people who have authority over others: It's up to the powers that be to decide what should be done next. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. People in charge of or controlling other people. acephalous. administrator. anti-management. authority. bureaucrat. controller. council. counter-power. dean. deputy.
What's the meaning of the phrase 'Powers that be – The'? The established government or authority.
Nov 14, 2023 · What Does "Powers That Be" Mean? When someone talks about the "powers that be," they're pointing to the people or organizations with the most influence or control. It could mean the top bosses at your job, government officials, or any group that has a say in big decisions.
The people or forces who are in a position of authority or control. Everyone thought the bill would be passed immediately, but the powers that be have decided to kill it before it gained any traction. We do have the power to effect change by voting, but, between elections, we're largely at the mercy of the powers that be. See also: power, that.
The phrase “powers that be” is a common idiom used to refer to those in positions of authority or control. It is often used to describe government officials, leaders of organizations, or other influential individuals who hold power over others.
“The Powers That Be” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
Those in control, the authorities, as in Our plan was vetoed by the powers that be . This expression appeared in William Tyndale's 1526 translation of the Bible (Romans 13:1): “The powers that be are ordained of God.”
Jun 2, 2024 · the powers that be pl (plural only) The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially if seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.
