ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brass ceiling

idiom
Meaning

An unwritten, uncodified barrier to promotion or progression for women in law enforcement or the military.


Origin

disputed origin

From brass (“indicating high-ranking officers”) + ceiling (“suggesting a barrier to upward advancement”).

Examples
SIMPLE

She faced a brass ceiling in her police career.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite her excellent record, she felt the brass ceiling prevented her from reaching the rank of captain.

COMPLEX

Many female officers argue that the brass ceiling remains a significant obstacle to achieving true gender equality within the upper echelons of military command.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bamboo ceiling

    A social barrier to further promotion or progression, in employment and elsewhere, for a person of East Asian ethnicity.

  2. 02

    bow-legged wi' brass

    Wealthy; having lots of money.

  3. 03

    brass farthing

    Something worthless or of small value.

  4. 04

    brass monkey

    Very cold.

  5. 05

    brass monkeys

    Very cold.

  6. 06

    brass neck

    Gall, shamelessness, cheek.

  7. 07

    double in brass

    To perform two or more tasks within the same project or organization.

  8. 08

    get down to brass tacks

    To (start to) consider or deal with the most important details or facts about something.

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