# iron eagle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/iron-eagle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An American military officer who has attained the rank of colonel but will not be promoted to the rank of general.

## Examples

- He is an iron eagle who retired after thirty years of service.
- After failing to secure a promotion to general, the colonel accepted his status as an iron eagle and focused on mentoring junior officers.
- The career officer eventually reconciled with his position as an iron eagle, finding satisfaction in his command rather than pursuing the elusive star of a general.

## Origin

The term is a reference to the rank insignia of a colonel, which takes the form of an eagle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.