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.

Hoover was competent and corrupt, famously controlling the FBI with an iron fist.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

“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

But, despite the bloodbath of recent weeks, this is no time to lose confidence, he might think; he must plough on with an iron fist.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Former president Suharto, who died in 2008 aged 86, ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for more than three decades after grabbing power in 1967 following a failed military coup.

From Barron's • Nov. 4, 2025

It was as though an iron fist had clenched suddenly around Harry’s heart.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling