ENGLISH
REFERENCE

old boy network

compound noun
Meaning

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


Examples
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.

Anchors to
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 old

    Emphatically or impressively big; really big.

  5. 05

    blue-eyed boy

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

  6. 06

    boy howdy

    Expresses strong support or agreement.

  7. 07

    boy in the boat

    The human clitoris.

  8. 08

    boy toy

    A gigolo or younger man who is sexually pursued by an older person.

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