This lesson trains 34 C2 idioms on Power. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
Clip sb's wings
To restrict someone's freedom or ability to act.
The new regulations limited the department's budget and decision-making power.
No ifs and buts
No excuses or arguments; something must be done.
The manager insisted that the report had to be finished by Friday without any delays.
Have sb eating out of the palm of your hand
To have complete control or influence over someone so that they do whatever you want.
The charismatic leader had the entire audience completely captivated.
Hold all the cards
To have complete control or all the advantages in a situation.
The major investor controlled the funding and voting rights, giving him decisive power.
Have the ear of sb
To have the attention and influence of an important person.
The advisor had regular private meetings with the president.
In the driving seat
In control of a situation or organization.
After the reorganization, the new manager was clearly in charge.
Big Brother
A powerful authority that controls people and invades their privacy.
The new surveillance system in the office made employees feel constantly watched.
Not take no for an answer
To refuse to accept refusal and keep trying to get what one wants.
The sales representative continued calling even after being told the contract was not available.
Stand your ground
To refuse to change your opinion or give in.
Even when the others disagreed, she defended her position firmly.
Achilles heel
A small but critical weakness that can cause failure despite overall strength.
Despite his brilliant technical skills, his inability to delegate tasks often caused project delays.
Be all things to all men
To try to please everyone by adapting to different people's expectations.
The politician changed his message depending on the audience, trying to appeal to every group.
Have friends in high places
To know important people who can help you.
Thanks to his connections in government he was able to speed up the approval process.
At the wheel
In control of a situation or organization.
The experienced CEO was once again leading the company after a short absence.
Men in grey suits
Powerful but anonymous business or government officials.
The important decisions were made by senior executives behind closed doors.
Call to arms
An urgent appeal for people to take action, especially in a conflict or cause.
The environmental organization issued an urgent request for volunteers to protect the endangered forest.
Wild horses couldn't make me
Nothing could persuade me to do something.
Nothing would make her reveal the secret.
The power behind the throne
The person who really controls an organization or country although not officially in charge.
Although the president appeared to make the decisions, his chief advisor influenced every major policy.
Hand over the reins
To give control of something to someone else.
The founder decided it was time to let the new CEO take charge.
Take matters into your own hands
To deal with a problem yourself instead of waiting for others.
When the authorities did nothing, the villagers organized their own rescue.
Have the upper hand
To have an advantage over someone.
The experienced negotiator controlled the discussion from the beginning.
Rig an election
To arrange an election dishonestly so that a particular person or party wins.
The international observers suspected that the voting process had been manipulated.
Push all the right buttons
To do or say exactly the things that achieve the desired reaction from someone.
The salesperson knew exactly how to appeal to the client's priorities and closed the deal quickly.
The sword of Damocles
A constant threat or danger that hangs over someone.
The possibility of sudden layoffs created ongoing anxiety in the department.
Put your foot down
To be very firm about something and refuse to change.
The parents insisted that the children had to finish their homework before watching television.
On message
Sticking to the official or intended statement.
The politician repeated the party's key points exactly.
Push the right buttons
To do or say exactly the things that achieve the desired reaction from someone.
The salesperson knew exactly how to appeal to the client's priorities and closed the deal quickly.
Play God
To behave as if one has unlimited power over others.
The scientist was accused of interfering with nature in dangerous ways.
Heads will roll
People will be punished or lose their jobs.
When the serious mistake was discovered, the company promised severe consequences.
End of story!
Used to say that a matter is completely finished and no more discussion is needed.
The decision has been made and cannot be changed.
Fall on your sword
To accept responsibility for a failure, often by resigning.
The minister resigned after the scandal to protect the government.
Mr Big
The most important or powerful person in an organization or criminal group.
The police were trying to identify the leader of the smuggling operation.
Look out for number one
To think of yourself first.
In the competitive business world many people put their own interests first.
Full stop
Used to emphasize that there is nothing more to say.
The decision is final and cannot be changed.
Sb's hands are tied
Someone is unable to act because of rules or circumstances.
The manager wanted to help but company policy prevented it.