noun
power of life or death; absolute control over life and death
A yojijukugo meaning having complete authority to decide whether someone lives or dies. Often used figuratively for absolute power over someone's fate.
昔の王は臣下に対して活殺自在の権力を握っていた。
Ancient kings held the power of life or death over their subjects.
The results of this exam will have absolute control over whether I can advance to the next level of education.