The powers that be

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Meaning

The people or institutions currently holding authority, often viewed as remote or impersonal. Often mildly sceptical or humorous because the authority is unnamed. Hyphens are optional when the phrase acts as a noun. Regional use: Tyndale Bible, England; now international English.

Origin

William Tyndale's 1526 translation of Romans 13 says that 'the powers that be are ordained of God'. The 1611 King James Bible retained the phrase, but did not originate it. What began as a statement about governing authority broadened into a sometimes ironic label for managers, officials or any unidentified decision-makers.

Research Sources

  1. Romans 13:1-2, King James Version Bible Gateway
  2. The powers that be Phrase Finder
  3. William Tyndale The Tyndale Society

Variants

  • Powers that be

Usage Examples

  • The powers that be rejected the extension without publishing their reasons.
  • Someone among the powers that be has finally approved a new lift.
  • We sent the evidence upward and waited for the powers that be to respond.

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