PhrasesHub

The powers that be

    Definitions

      • those in authority or control
        Refers to the people who have the authority to make decisions or control a situation

      • fate or destiny
        Refers to the forces or circumstances that are beyond human control and influence the outcome of events

    Examples of The powers that be

    • Despite the protests from the community, the construction of the new shopping mall was approved by the powers that be.

      In this example, "the powers that be" refers to the people or authorities in positions of power who have the ultimate decision-making authority. This idiom highlights that the decision to approve the construction of the shopping mall was not made by any one person, but rather by a group of individuals in positions of authority.

    • The police arrived just in time to catch the criminals, thanks to the intervention of the powers that be.

      In this example, "the powers that be" could also be interpreted as a higher authority or force, such as fate or destiny. Here, it is used to illustrate that the intervention that led to the arrest of the criminals was not something that could have been predicted or planned by any individual, but rather something that happened as a result of a larger, unseen force.

    • The company's management was determined to go forward with their plans, despite the concerns raised by their employees. It seemed that the powers that be had already made their decision.

      This example demonstrates how "the powers that be" can be used to suggest that a decision has already been made, possibly outside of the control or influence of the people or individuals involved in a situation. Here, it is used to emphasize the idea that the company's management had already decided to move forward with their plans, regardless of the concerns raised by their employees.

    • The storm caused widespread devastation, leaving the community in a state of chaos. But the powers that be promised to provide the resources needed to restore order and rebuild.

      In this final example, "the powers that be" is used to signify that there are individuals or organizations in positions of authority who have the ability to take action and provide assistance to those in need. It highlights that the community is not entirely in control of their own fate, and that there are outside forces that can and will step in to provide support when needed.

    • Despite the prolonged protests by the locals against the construction of a new highway, the powers that be have decided to go ahead with the project.

      In this example, "the powers that be" refers to the authorities or decision-makers who have the ultimate power to make choices or decisions regarding a particular matter, despite opposition from others. Here, the highway construction is going ahead, despite the objections raised by the local community.

    • The powers that be have cleared the air about the rumors circulating regarding the merger of the two companies.

      In this example, "the powers that be" refer to the officials or authorities in charge of making official statements or clarifying doubts. Here, the clarification regarding the merger of two companies has been issued by the relevant authorities in charge.

    • The powers that be have taken a bold decision to ban single-use plastics in the country, which is a long-awaited breakthrough in the fight against pollution.

      In this example, "the powers that be" refer to the authorities or decision-makers who have taken a significant action or decision that could bring about a positive change or result in a particular matter. Here, it refers to the authorities who have brought about a long-awaited decision to ban single-use plastics, which can help combat pollution.

    • The powers that be have failed to take any decisive steps to mitigate the impact of climate change, despite numerous warnings and reports by experts.

      In this example, "the powers that be" refer to the authorities or decision-makers who have failed to take appropriate actions or decisions in a particular matter, despite warnings and reports by experts regarding its negative impact. Here, it refers to the authorities who have failed to take decisive steps to mitigate the impact of climate change despite repeated warnings furnished by experts.


    Conclusion

    "The powers that be" can be used to refer to those in authority or control, such as government officials, leaders, or decision-makers. It can also be used to refer to fate or destiny, indicating the forces or circumstances that are beyond human control. In both cases, the idiom is used to acknowledge the presence of factors that are influential and impactful, whether they are human or beyond human influence.

    Origin of "The powers that be"

    The origin of the idiom "the powers that be" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the New Testament. In the book of Romans, chapter 13, verse 1, it is written: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." This verse refers to the idea that all authority and power ultimately come from a higher source, whether it is God or some other divine force.

    Over time, the phrase "the powers that be" has been used in literature, speeches, and everyday language to acknowledge the existence of those in authority or control. It has also been used to recognize the presence of fate or destiny in shaping events. The idiom has become a common way to refer to influential forces, whether they are human or beyond human control.