power behind the throne en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Meanings
- (idiomatic) Someone who appears to be without special status, but who has great covert influence on a person in authority.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| powers behind the throne | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| powers behind thrones | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
powers that be · éminence grise · deep state · power broker
Translations (5)
ru се́рый кардина́л (someone who has great covert influence) · cmn 幕後掌權者 /幕后掌权者 (someone who has great covert influence) · fi harmaa eminenssi (someone who has great covert influence) · fr éminence grise (someone who has great covert influence) · es poder detrás del trono (someone who has great covert influence)