iron hand

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.

Critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized control and having gone back on pledges to step down, he is the only president most Ugandans have known.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Tribal leader Wilson “sometimes ruled with an iron hand, but sometimes on Pine Ridge that was necessary.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2023

Otherwise, corruption inevitably will reign with an iron hand and a steel boot.

From Slate • May 19, 2022

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan with an iron hand from 1996 to 2001 before being ousted by U.S.-led forces.

From Reuters • Oct. 14, 2021

I made my way past the charred windmill to the iron hand pump.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss