power lunch
A working lunch at which bosses make business decisions or hold important discussions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They are having a power lunch to discuss the new contract.”
“She plans a power lunch to pitch her idea to the manager.”
“We often use a power lunch to network with important clients.”
“The CEO invited the potential investors to a power lunch at a quiet, expensive restaurant to finalize the merger.”
“The department heads scheduled a power lunch to resolve the budget issues before the afternoon board meeting.”
“During their power lunch at the hotel, the two partners agreed on a new marketing strategy for the upcoming year.”
“While the rest of the staff ate at their desks, the executives held a power lunch to determine the future direction of the company.”
first recorded 20th c.
Coined by the American journalist Lee Eisenberg in 1979, the term first appeared in an article for Esquire titled America’s Most Powerful Lunch. Eisenberg used the phrase to identify a specific type of mid-day business encounter where the consumption of food is secondary to the exercise of influence.
- 01
brown power
The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.
- 02
come to power
To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.
- 03
eat someone's lunch
To best or defeat someone thoroughly; to make short work of.
- 04
free lunch
Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.
- 05
grey power
The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.
- 06
out to lunch
Clueless, inattentive, or careless.
- 07
poor power
Limited ability.
- 08
power behind the throne
Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.
Last updated August 10, 2026