English Reference
Idiom compound noun

old boy network


A presumed unacknowledged system of association between childhood friends (especially those at school or university together), used for mutual assistance or favouritism.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He got the job through the old boy network.

CONTEXTUAL

The company promoted him quickly because he was part of the old boy network.

COMPLEX

Despite his lack of experience, he secured the board position by relying on the influence of the old boy network from his university days.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    any old nook or cranny

    Alternative form of any nook or cranny.

  2. 02

    bad old days

    The past, seen as a time when things were worse.

  3. 03

    big boy

    A large object or person.

  4. 04

    big boys

    The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.

  5. 05

    big old

    Emphatically or impressively big; really big.

  6. 06

    blue-eyed boy

    The favorite, especially a young one, especially of someone in power; a fair-haired boy (US), (Australian).

  7. 07

    boy howdy

    Expresses strong support or agreement.

  8. 08

    boy in the boat

    The human clitoris.

Last updated August 10, 2026