iron hand

[ ahy-ern hand ]

noun

1. strict, harsh, or autocratic, often ruthless control:

   The general governed the country with an iron hand.

iron hand

noun

1. harsh or rigorous control; overbearing or autocratic force

   he ruled with an iron hand

Word History and Origins

Origin of iron hand¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Idioms and Phrases

Rigorous control, as in He ruled the company with an iron hand . This usage is sometimes put as iron hand in a velvet glove , meaning “firm but seemingly gentle control,” as in She runs the town with an iron hand in a velvet glove . [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

Jack not only ran the noon games — with an iron hand — but was, more often than not, the best player.

From Washington Post

At 75, the spirited Pacha founder, Ricardo Urgell, keeps an iron hand on his empire.

From The Daily Beast

There is no doubt that, had necessity with her iron hand compelled him, he would have been an excellent painter.

From Project Gutenberg

To a great extent the army, ever partial to the iron hand, has given it the support of its great power.

From Project Gutenberg

But the count once more expatiated on the iron hand indispensable for children as well as for the people.

From Project Gutenberg

While it lasted we literally and constantly meet with the “iron hand under the velvet glove.”

From Project Gutenberg

The iron hand of Nemesis seemed reaching out to grasp Nevill, and he shuddered as he realized his danger.

From Project Gutenberg