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Definitions

iron fist

[ahy-ern fist] / ˈaɪ ərn ˈfɪst /
NOUN
iron hand
Synonyms
WEAK
big stick control firm hand grip heavy hand high hand iron boot 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.

“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

When the authoritarian leader starts to display physical impairment, the people who have been chafing under his iron fist stop fearing him.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2025

The wife of Ali Bongo, whose family ruled the central African country with an iron fist for 55 years, had been accused of manipulating her husband to embezzle taxpayers' money.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Described as one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century, he was artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995, which he is said to have led with an iron fist.

From BBC • May 20, 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