rule with a rod of iron

idiom

British
: to rule a country, area, group, etc., in a very strict and often cruel way
The dictator ruled (the country) with a rod of iron.

Dictionary Entries Near rule with a rod of iron

Cite this Entry

“Rule with a rod of iron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20with%20a%20rod%20of%20iron. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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