mailed fist

noun

: a threat of armed or overbearing force

Examples of mailed fist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Behind the invisible hand of the market is the mailed fist of the government, pushing companies to the left in ways direct and indirect, in areas ranging from climate policy to workplace and hiring rules. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 10 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mailed fist was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near mailed fist

Cite this Entry

“Mailed fist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mailed%20fist. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!