you can't fight City Hall
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Nothing can be done to change the situation, because it is a governmental decision or a similarly institutional decision (e.g., high-level corporate, senior military brass, dominant cultural norm).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I see they're going to build the airport after all. I suppose you can't fight City Hall.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “you can't fight City Hall” mean?
Nothing can be done to change the situation, because it is a governmental decision or a similarly institutional decision (e.g., high-level corporate, senior military brass, dominant cultural norm).
Is “you can't fight City Hall” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.