powers that be

the people who are in authority. The powers that be have decided to send back the immigrants. I have applied for a license, and the powers that be are considering my application.

powers that be

Those who hold effective power in a system or situation: a plan vetoed by the powers that be.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Ashken	['æʃkən]
Lee	[li:]
Danni	DAN-ee	English
Tajana	-	Croatian, Serbian
Desislav	-	Bulgarian, Medieval Slavic
JÖRgen	-	Swedish