In the European cultural space there are related metaphors associated with the image of a knight chained in armor: «iron hand», «iron foot/heel», «armored fist», «iron hand in a velvet glove». Most often they are used as a sign of ruthless, despotic power. They are adjacent to the image of «bayonets» as a symbol of despotic power. The article explores the origin and existence of these metaphors in various national cultures.
Keywords
political language; dictatorship; Napoleon I; J.B. Bernadotte; Karl zu Schwarzenberg; Jack London; Etienne Béquet; Mikhail Gershenzon.