Definition
铁拳 literally means 'iron fist' — a fist made of iron or a weapon resembling one. In modern Chinese, it's far more common as a figurative term for harsh, uncompromising power or repression, especially used in political or military contexts (e.g. a government's 'iron fist' policy). You'll see it in news headlines and formal commentary; the English 'iron fist' carries a similar metaphor, but 铁拳 in Chinese often implies organized, institutional force.
n.
(literal) iron fist (as a weapon or striking tool)(figurative) harsh repressive powerstrong-arm tactics
Examples
- 铁拳。Tā yòng yí jì Tiě quán jī dǎo le duìshǒu.He knocked down his opponent with an iron fist.
- 铁拳，。Zhèngfǔ yǐ Tiě quán dǎjī fànzuì, huòdé le mínzhòng zhīchí.The government cracked down on crime with an iron fist and gained public support.
- 铁拳。Zhè chǎng gémìng zuìzhōng bèi Tiě quán zhènyā le.This revolution was ultimately suppressed by the iron fist.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.