yield to authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yield to authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advised or required to submit to the power or control of someone in a position of authority. Example: "In a crisis situation, it is often necessary to yield to authority for the sake of safety and order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In organizational settings, the tendency to conform, which Ash termed "conformity," is heightened because the subject is complicated, the answers unclear, there are social and economic bonds that tie a group together, and there is a very human tendency to yield to authority.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So, just as the nation-states yielded to the force of this external power, the boys yield to the external authority of the madman whose prophecy alters the dynamics of their family.

The Guardian - Books

"you will not be corrupted by wealth or status You will not be moved away from your goal by poverty or the lowliness of your position You will not yield to threats of authority or force".

Huffington Post

They accepted him, says Mr Tanase, "as long as he yielded to their authority".

The Economist

Since abdicating the papacy six years ago, Benedict — living in a monastery inside Vatican City walls — had remained nearly silent on issues facing the church, in part to yield full authority to his successor.

The Washington Post

It is also unclear whether the third rival government, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, will yield to the unity government's authority.

The New York Times

Maimonides, in his "Guide for the Perplexed," from 1190, is more modest and quizzical, but he, too, obedient to the tradition, says that we must yield to the text's divine authority.

The New Yorker

The truth is, people often fail to embrace the opportunities they claim to want, and managers often fail to yield the authority they aim to delegate.

Harvard Business Review

To this end, King told his staff that it was time to "forge new tactics which do not depend on government good will, but instead serve to compel unwilling authorities to yield to the mandates of justice".

Huffington Post

Poems like "Our Secret Share" yield to witness, and often to the testimonial authority of prose.

The New Yorker

Second, Anton Galeazzo, who seized power in 1420, was forced to yield to Pope Martin V, who had reestablished papal authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yield to authority" when you want to convey the idea of submitting or complying with someone who has power or control. Ensure that the context clearly indicates who holds the authority and why submission is necessary or expected.

Common error

Avoid using "yield to authority" in situations where the authority is illegitimate or unethical. Blindly following authority without critical thinking can lead to negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yield to authority" functions as a directive, instructing or describing the act of surrendering or submitting to a recognized power or control. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in organizational and political contexts, highlighting its role in describing obedience or compliance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yield to authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of submitting to a recognized power or control. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears in various contexts, from organizational settings to political discussions, emphasizing its widespread applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the legitimacy and ethical implications of the authority in question. When writing, remember that alternatives like ""submit to authority"" or ""defer to authority"" can offer nuanced variations of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submit to authority

Focuses on the act of submitting, emphasizing obedience.

defer to authority

Highlights respect and acknowledgment of someone's superior knowledge or position.

obey authority

Directly emphasizes the act of obeying rules or commands.

comply with authority

Stresses adherence to regulations or requirements set by those in power.

respect authority

Emphasizes the attitude of respect towards those in charge.

acquiesce to authority

Suggests a reluctant agreement or passive acceptance of power.

give way to authority

Implies a yielding or concession of one's own position or opinion.

bow to authority

Indicates a submissive gesture, either literal or figurative.

recognize authority

Focuses on acknowledging the legitimacy of someone's power.

accept authority

Highlights the acceptance of someone's power or control.

FAQs

How can I use "yield to authority" in a sentence?

You can use "yield to authority" to describe situations where someone submits to a person or institution in a position of power. For example: "In a crisis, it is often necessary to "submit to authority" for the sake of order".

What does "yield to authority" mean?

"Yield to authority" means to "defer to authority", to give in or submit to the power or control of someone or something that is recognized as having legitimate power.

Which is correct, "yield to authority" or "yield authority"?

"Yield to authority" is correct when you mean to submit to someone or something in power. "Yield authority" is correct when referring to relinquishing one's own power to someone else.

When is it appropriate to "yield to authority"?

It is appropriate to "yield to authority" when the authority is legitimate, ethical, and acting in the best interest of those affected. However, it is important to critically evaluate authority and not "blindly obey" if it conflicts with one's values or principles.