ENGLISH
REFERENCE

power behind the throne

idiom
Meaning

Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.


Examples
SIMPLE

The assistant is the real power behind the throne.

CONTEXTUAL

Everyone thinks the manager makes the decisions, but his wife is the power behind the throne.

COMPLEX

While the king officially signed the decrees, his quiet advisor remained the true power behind the throne, shaping the nation's policy from the shadows.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    brown power

    The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.

  2. 02

    come to power

    To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.

  3. 03

    grey power

    The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.

  4. 04

    poor power

    Limited ability.

  5. 05

    power coffee

    A working session or seminar at which important discussions may be held, and important decisions made, over servings of coffee or at a coffeehouse.

  6. 06

    power grab

    An attempt to gain authority in an oppressive or unscrupulous way.

  7. 07

    power lunch

    A working lunch at which bosses make business decisions or hold important discussions.

  8. 08

    power luncher

    One who attends or participates in a power lunch.

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