clout list
A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The politician added his top donors to the clout list.”
“You need to be on the clout list to enter the VIP lounge tonight.”
“Does this company keep a clout list for its biggest investors?”
“The reporter discovered that the mayor kept a secret clout list to ensure his friends received the best government contracts.”
“The university faced a scandal when the public learned that children of wealthy alumni were placed on a private clout list for easier admissions.”
“Even though she was qualified for the promotion, the manager chose someone from his personal clout list instead.”
“By securing a coveted spot on the clout list, the lobbyist gained unprecedented access to the inner circle of the administration, effectively bypassing standard bureaucratic procedures.”
Last updated August 10, 2026