in power
Holding the reins
In power describes holding authority or control, especially political office.
A party or leader in power governs or rules: The Democrats were in power for eight years.
The phrase implies active exercise of authority rather than mere title—someone in power can actually make things happen.
The opposite is out of power.
- dictatorRuler with total control
- iron fistBrutal autocratic rule
- chancellorSenior administrative official
- incumbentCurrent position holder
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
leader · ruling class · status · throne · wattage · monarch · ruling · dominance · kinetic energy · regime · reigning · senator · narrative control · torque · governor · prime minister · cultural hegemony · president
in powerdeposed
Removed from authority
ousted · out of office · in opposition · overthrown · voted out
in powerremoved
Taken from position
displaced · sidelined · demoted · subordinate · rank and file
in powerpowerless
Lacking strength or authority
impotent · subjugated · dominated · oppressed · disenfranchised