powers that be

Definitions

The holders of power or the authorities in a given situation, especially if seen as being faceless or unreasonably bureaucratic.

idiomatic, plural, plural-only

Equivalents

Examples

“[I]t appeared as though the hospital at Barchester would fall⟳ into abeyance, unless the powers that be should take⟳ some steps towards putting it once more into working order⟳.”

“Whoever you elect⟳, he will legislate in favor of ‘law and order⟳,’ to protect⟳ things as they are. The main concern⟳ of the powers that be is that the people should continue⟳ to believe⟳ in and uphold⟳ the existing system.”

“Time is truly wastin', there's no guarantee⟳ / Smile⟳ is in the makin', we've got to fight⟳ the powers that be”

“The powers that be, they trick⟳ us / Loopholes to evict us”

CEFR level