What Does "Powers That Be" Mean?
"Powers that be" is an English idiom. It is a reference to those in authority or those who hold significant power or control, often in a mysterious or unknown manner.Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "powers that be" used in a sentence:- The decision to implement the new policy came from the powers that be, and no one knew who was responsible.
- We may never fully understand the motivations of the powers that be, but we must adapt to their decisions.
- The powers that be have decided to proceed with the project despite the concerns raised by the team.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Powers That Be" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
A Quick Test
You now know what "powers that be" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see!
Gold
Silver
Bronze
- This test has questions.
- A correct answer is worth 5 points.
- You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
- Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
- Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
- 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System
Guru (+)
Hero (+)
Captain (+)
Sergeant (+)
Recruit (+)
Guru (+)
Hero (+)
Captain (+)
Sergeant (+)
Recruit (+)
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
