Powers That Be

B2 8+

Pronunciation: /ˈpaʊərz ðæt biː/

Definitions of powers that be

noun refers to a group of people in authority or those who hold power or control

Example Sentences

A1 I don't understand why the powers that be make all the decisions.

A2 The powers that be have decided to implement new rules in the office.

B1 It's important to follow the guidelines set by the powers that be.

B2 The powers that be are often influenced by political agendas.

C1 The powers that be have the authority to shape the future of the country.

C2 The powers that be must consider the long-term effects of their decisions.

Examples of powers that be in a Sentence

formal It is important to adhere to the decisions made by the powers that be.

informal We just have to go along with what the powers that be say.

slang We gotta do what the big shots say, you know, the powers that be.

figurative Sometimes it feels like we are just pawns in the game controlled by the powers that be.

Grammatical Forms of powers that be

past tense

powers that were

plural

powers that are

comparative

more powerful than those that be

superlative

the most powerful of all that be

present tense

powers that are

future tense

powers that will be

perfect tense

powers that have been

continuous tense

powers that are being

singular

power that is

positive degree

as powerful as those that be

infinitive

to be powers that be

gerund

being powers that be

participle

powers that being

Origin and Evolution of powers that be

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'powers that be' originates from the Bible, specifically the New Testament.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the authority or ruling powers in a religious or divine context, the phrase has evolved to denote any influential or authoritative figures in various contexts.