the powers that be

phrase

: the people who decide what is allowed or acceptable in a group, organization, etc.
The students wanted to have a big party, but the powers that be didn't approve.

Examples of the powers that be in a Sentence

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Joining me for a closer look into the powers that be within the GOP is USA TODAY Congressional Correspondent Zach Schermele. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 As we get started here, (general manager George Paton) and the powers that be will meet and begin discussing certain players. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2026 Suggesting that the actions of one black coach would be used to discriminate in hiring practices in the NCAA, is quite literally saying that the powers that be in these schools are racist, in my opinion. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 Juliette is making the powers that be very nervous, almost forcing them to pull the trigger on the Safeguard. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for the powers that be

Rhymes for the powers that be

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Browse Nearby Words

the power behind the throne
the powers that be
the present
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Cite this Entry

“The powers that be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20powers%20that%20be. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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