iron hand

[ahy-ern hand] / ˈaɪ ərn ˈhænd /

NOUN

rigorous or stern control

Synonyms

WEAK

big stick control firm hand grip heavy hand high hand iron boot iron fist iron rule jackboot mailed fist strong hand tight grasp tight hand tight rein tight ship

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.

Museveni's critics say he has ruled with an iron hand since he seized power as a rebel leader in 1986.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

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

Reverend Harris ran Clarkebury with an iron hand and an abiding sense of fairness.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela