iron hand
Noun
Meaning
iron hand (plural iron hands)
(figuratively) Firmness, inflexibility, sternness.
Synonyms
Examples
For ten years Caesar ruled with an iron hand. Then with a wooden foot, and finally with a piece of string.
Laws are to be enforced justly but firmly, with an iron hand. This is the case anywhere, even in a family.
Iron hand in a velvet glove.
The iron hand crush'd the Tyrant's head And became a Tyrant in his stead.
An iron hand has stilled the throats That throbbed with loud and rhythmic glee.
What you give, is written in sand; what you take, with an iron hand.