hold sway over

Idioms and Phrases

Dominate, have a controlling influence over, as in He held sway over the entire department . This idiom uses the noun sway in the sense of “power” or “dominion,” a usage dating from the late 1500s.

Example Sentences

They hold sway over the city hall, the regional government building and the security services complex.

From The Daily Beast

But he will still hold sway over the newspapers under their toothless grip.

From The Daily Beast

The problem extends far beyond the politicians who hold sway over the nation's purse strings.

From The Daily Beast

Then wilt thou be a greater king than thy father was, inasmuch as thou shalt hold sway over two great peoples.

From Project Gutenberg

All that helps man really to hold sway over nature is what is styled physical education.

From Project Gutenberg

They enter our lives and completely hold sway over us, and we are carried away by them.

From Project Gutenberg

As they were all equal there arose a demand for a bishop who should hold sway over them.

From Project Gutenberg

Fortunately many of the classics have lost only in parts their moral and intellectual value, and hence still hold sway over us.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• administer
• command
• conduct
• deal with
• dominate
• govern
• handle
• lead
• manage
• manipulate
• oversee
• regulate
• rule
• run
• supervise