iron-handed en · ADJ
Etymology
From the idea of having an iron hand.
Meanings
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(derogatory) Strict and dictatorial, exercising firm ruthless control.
Celebration of the strong, powerful, bold, victorious, and iron-handed is presented as much more in tune with human nature, just as praise for the weak, feeble, humble, vanquished, and poor in spirit results from a foolish ignorance of true human desires.
2014, Eugene V. Gallagher, Reading and Writing Scripture in New Religious Movements, →ISBN, page 69:I couldn't believe that iron-handed old tyrant would have a son waho cared for nothing but praying.
2013, Harry Turtledove, The Sceptre's Return, →ISBN:Here I am not primarily concerned with the long-term effects of such separation, about which the advocates of iron-handed rule in Poland have always written with great glee.
2010, Michael Bernhard, Henryk Szlajfer, From the Polish Underground: Selections from Krytyka, 1978-1993, →ISBN, page 89:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| iron handed | alternative | lexicographic | |
| more iron-handed | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| most iron-handed | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| ironhanded | alternative | lexicographic |
Deriveds
Relateds
iron-fisted · heavy-handed · hard-handed