the powers that be
Those in charge
The powers that be refers to those in authority, the people or institutions that control or govern a situation, organization, or society.
The phrase often carries a tone of resigned acceptance or mild criticism, acknowledging that decisions come from above without naming specific individuals.
I'd love to change the policy, but the powers that be have other ideas.
The expression derives from a biblical passage about earthly authorities being ordained by God.
- policeCivil law enforcement
- judgesLegal proceeding overseers
- lawyersLicensed legal practitioners
- governmentAuthority over a state
- politiciansElected government representatives
establishment · too big to fail · authority · gatekeepers · tycoons · monopoly · oligarchy · big brother · corporation · deep state · kingmakers · the man · top brass · hegemony · ruling class · system · old boys' network · inner circle
the powers that bethe common people
Ordinary members of society
the masses · ordinary citizens · the people · rank and file · the public
the powers that bethe proletariat
Wage-earning labor class
the working class · grassroots · commoners · peasants · common folk
the powers that bedissidents
Political objectors
revolutionaries · rebels · insurgents · activists · reformers
power, powers, powered, powering, powerful, powerfully, powerless, powerlessness, empower