the powers that be

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   the people who control an organization, a country, etc.

   The powers that be thought it prudent that I do this backup just in case.

In the movies · 5

• The powers that be thought it prudent that I do this backup just in case.Avatar: The Way of Water2022
• Is that what this is all about, hobnobbing with the powers-that-be?Something the Lord Made2004
• Well, gentlemen, there'll be no interference from the powers that be.You Can't Take It with You1938
• Show the powers that be how much smarter she was.The Life of David Gale2003
• But the powers that be take a very healthy cut.Widows2018
• Oh, the powers that be. Would you look?Treasure Planet2002
• I guess the powers that be don't share our beliefsSicko2007
• Come on, Billy, come on! Powers, powers, powers.Shazam! Fury of the Gods2023

Learn it in full scenes

• You Can't Take It with You1938
  • Kirby Plans the Munitions Monopoly
  • Poppins Becomes a Lily of the Field
  • A Day in the Sycamore House

From the same entry

• do a power of good
• more power to elbow
• the power behind the throne
• the corridors of power
• sweep to power
• power down
• power up