Who said “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.”?

Misattributed

Not Margaret Thatcher. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Margaret Thatcher. Earliest known source: Jesse L. Carr, Teamsters leader, Alaska (1975).

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.”
— Margaret Thatcher
MisattributedNot by Margaret Thatcher. Earliest known source: Jesse L. Carr, Teamsters leader, Alaska (1975). · evidencePower
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Cite this quote

APA

“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.” [Quotation attributed to Margaret Thatcher]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34021-being-powerful-is-like-being-a-lady-if/

MLA

“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.” Attributed to Margaret Thatcher. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34021-being-powerful-is-like-being-a-lady-if/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.” Attributed to Margaret Thatcher. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34021-being-powerful-is-like-being-a-lady-if/.

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