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.

Prosecutors say El Hishri ran the prison with an iron fist, with special responsibility over the women's section.

From Barron's • May 19, 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

Ruled with an iron fist by President Paul Biya for 43 years, Cameroon is central Africa's most diversified economy.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

By then she was an obese woman with a very pretty face, and she ruled her whole roost with an iron fist, including Uncle Isaac, her husband.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride