The powers that be 指有权力做决定的、主宰事情发展形势的人或机构。他们可以决定事情是否会发生、怎么发生和最终结果。在日常生活中，当人们觉得他们的生活被外界权利所控制时则会用到这个表达。这个表达有时带有贬义。

例句

I didn't quite get the grades I was hoping for so I'll just have to wait for the powers that be to decide whether I have a place at my first choice university.

The powers that be have said that they don't want the hall to be used for music so we'll have to find somewhere else to rehearse.

请注意

另一个表达 beyond someone's power 的意思是“超出了某人的权力范围，力所不及”，所以无法提供援助。

例句

I'd love to invite you, but it's beyond my power. It's my sister's wedding and she has a very strict limit on numbers.

I'm afraid it's beyond my power to offer you a job. Personally I'd be happy to, but I don't have the budget.