1. ruling or governing with strict, unyielding authority; exercising power in a harsh or inflexible manner
Usage: often used to describe a leader, manager, or authority figure

Examples

• The ironhanded principal enforced every school rule without exception.
• Under the ironhanded regime, citizens had little freedom of expression.
• Her ironhanded management style left no room for employee input.
• The ironhanded dictator suppressed all opposition.
• Despite his ironhanded approach, the company remained profitable.
• The coach's ironhanded discipline transformed the losing team into champions.