rule (somebody) with a rod of iron (British, American & Australian) also rule (somebody) with an iron fist/hand (American & Australian)20853

rule (somebody) with a rod of iron (British, American & Australian) also rule (somebody) with an iron fist/hand (American & Australian)
to control a group of people very firmly, having complete power over everything that they do For 17 years she ruled the country with a rod of iron. My uncle rules the family business with an iron hand