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Definitions

iron fist

[ahy-ern fist] / ˈaɪ ərn ˈfɪst /
NOUN
iron hand
Synonyms
WEAK
big stick control firm hand grip heavy hand high hand iron boot iron rule jackboot mailed fist strong hand tight grasp tight hand tight rein tight ship

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hoover was competent and corrupt, famously controlling the FBI with an iron fist.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

“Iran brought down the iron fist with speed and ferocity we haven’t seen before,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

But, despite the bloodbath of recent weeks, this is no time to lose confidence, he might think; he must plough on with an iron fist.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

And when the authoritarian leader starts to display physical impairment, the people who have been chafing under his iron fist stop fearing him.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2025

Like an ambassador to a hostile foreign country, my Guardian ad Litem was educated, elegant, and intimidating; however, Mrs. Moss ruled her fiefdom with an iron fist.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter