# long screwdriver

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/long-screwdriver
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Interference (usually in military matters) by politicians.

## Examples

- The general complained about the long screwdriver from the capital.
- Military leaders often struggle when politicians use a long screwdriver to manage battlefield tactics from afar.
- The commander resigned, citing the persistent long screwdriver of civilian officials who lacked any practical experience in the theater of war.

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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.