brass ceiling
An unwritten, uncodified barrier to promotion or progression for women in law enforcement or the military.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She faced a brass ceiling in her police career.”
“Despite her excellent record, she felt the brass ceiling prevented her from reaching the rank of captain.”
“Many female officers argue that the brass ceiling remains a significant obstacle to achieving true gender equality within the upper echelons of military command.”
From *brass*, used to indicate high-ranking military officers, and *ceiling*, suggesting a barrier to upward advancement.
- 01
bamboo ceiling
A social barrier to further promotion or progression, in employment and elsewhere, for a person of East Asian ethnicity.
- 02
bow-legged wi' brass
Wealthy; having lots of money.
- 03
brass farthing
Something worthless or of small value.
- 04
brass monkey
Very cold.
- 05
brass monkeys
Very cold.
- 06
brass neck
Gall, shamelessness, cheek.
- 07
double in brass
To perform two or more tasks within the same project or organization.
- 08
get down to brass tacks
To (start to) consider or deal with the most important details or facts about something.
Last updated August 10, 2026