with an 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
For a year leading up to its creation, Rumsfeld as defense secretary had led with an iron hand the planning for an invasion of Iraq.
From Washington Post • Jul. 2, 2021
Since 1969, Muammar al-Qaddafi ruled the North African country of Libya with an iron hand.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016
No-nonsense nuns ruled classrooms with an iron hand, passing on to the youngest girls and boys the discipline and knowledge they would need to get ahead in a prejudiced world.
From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield
