ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brass

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɹæs// UK //bɹˈɑːs// brass Archaic Informal Slang

n. the people in the highest positions of an organization, like the military or a big company. You use this word when you are talking about the bosses who make the big decisions.

n. high-ranking officials or executives within an organization, particularly in military or corporate contexts. Informal in register; often used collectively to refer to the leadership group.


SIMPLE

The top brass decided to close the branch.

CONTEXTUAL

After the merger was announced, the brass from both companies met to discuss the new management structure.

COMPLEX

While the soldiers on the ground were ready for the mission, the brass at headquarters remained hesitant to authorize the final deployment until the political situation stabilized.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a collective noun; can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group or the individuals are emphasized.

Idioms9 entries

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