iron fist

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.

“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

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

Doumbouya has ruled the west African nation with an iron fist since first coming to power.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

Described as one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century, he was artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995, which he is said to have led with an iron fist.

From BBC • May 20, 2025

Rondon was a strict disciplinarian, ruling his men with an iron fist.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple