might makes right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'might makes right' is not correct in written English.
The correct form of the phrase would be 'might makes right'. You can use it to refer to the belief that power or authority gives one the right to make decisions and take action without regard to other people's opinions or feelings. For example: "Many people believe that 'might makes right', meaning those in positions of power can make decisions without regard to anyone else's opinion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Might makes right"?

The New York Times - Tech

It implies finally that might makes right.

The New York Times

"Mr. President, with bullies, might makes right," Mr. Pawlenty said.

The New York Times

His foreign policy is simple: might makes right.

The New Yorker

These examples may seem fanciful in a world where many believe that might makes right.

University of California, Berkeley

Or can we transcend our brute instincts and find a higher law than might makes right?

The New York Times

Without the rule of law, we are left with might makes right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the might-makes-right anarchy of today's Baghdad, thousands of people have been uprooted from their homes while thousands of others are squatting in newly abandoned buildings.

The New York Times

This is the might-makes-right crowd.

The New York Times

The 'awk on the glove, of course, bein' yer vivid symbol of the U.S.'s imperialist leanin's and its might-makes-right attitude toward both its client states and other superpowers, orroight?

The New Yorker

Such statements have raised fears that the Trump administration is planning to accept the end of international norms and usher in a might-makes-right contest between nation states.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the proverb "might makes right", be aware of its negative connotation. It suggests that power is the only factor determining what is considered just or moral, which is often viewed critically.

Common error

Don't assume that because someone has power, their actions are automatically justified. "Might" refers to the ability to control, while "right" refers to moral or legal correctness. The proverb points out the cynical view that these are often conflated.

Linguistic Context

The proverb "might makes right" functions as a statement of a cynical, some consider to be a political realism, observation. It suggests that those in power will define what is considered 'right', regardless of moral or ethical considerations. As Ludwig AI states, the correct form of the phrase is might makes right.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The proverb "might makes right" is a grammatically incorrect, although very frequent expression that describes the belief that power dictates what is considered just. Despite its grammatical issues, it is widely used in news media, academic writing, and other forms of communication to express criticism of, or concern about, situations where powerful entities impose their will, regardless of ethics. Ludwig AI highlights, the correct form of the phrase is might makes right. Understanding its cynical connotation and common usage errors is key to employing the phrase effectively. Related phrases like "power prevails" or "power justifies" capture similar notions of dominance and control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power justifies

Explicitly states that power provides justification, reversing the structure but maintaining the core meaning.

the strong dominate

Highlights the dominance of the strong, removing the implication of inherent rightness.

might equals authority

Equates "might" with the right to command, emphasizing the source of control.

power prevails

Focuses on the ultimate triumph of power, omitting the explicit justification element.

strength dictates

Emphasizes the determining influence of strength, shifting from justification to simple causation.

force rules

Emphasizes physical strength as the governing factor, rather than a broader concept of "might".

the powerful decide

Highlights the decision-making authority of those with power, omitting the ethical implications.

might is supreme

Focuses on the superior position of "might" but does not necessarily imply justification.

superiority governs

Highlights that the superior factor is what dictates, shifting from justification to simple governance.

dominance triumphs

Focuses on the success of dominance, without explicitly mentioning the element of right.

FAQs

What does the saying "might makes right" mean?

The saying "might makes right" means that those who are strongest or most powerful can impose their will on others, regardless of whether it is morally or legally correct.

Is "might makes right" a universally accepted philosophy?

No, the philosophy of "might makes right" is often criticized. Many believe that ethics, justice, and fairness should be the basis for decision-making, not simply power.

How can I use the idea of "might makes right" in an essay?

You can use the concept of "might makes right" when discussing power dynamics, international relations, or historical events where stronger entities dominated weaker ones. Remember to analyze the ethical implications.

What's the difference between "might makes right" and justice?

"Might makes right" suggests that power determines outcomes, while justice implies fairness and moral correctness. They are often in conflict, as those with power may not always act justly. Use "power justifies" if you want to emphasize how power provides justification.