C2idiompoliticsIELTS-friendly
the old guard
USUK
the older members of a group, who usually oppose new ideas
Used for parties, companies and clubs. Slightly critical.
In context
The young leader faced strong opposition from the party's old guard.
The old guard at the golf club refused to let women join until 2010.
More idioms about politics
- a double standarda rule applied more strictly to one group than to another
- a grey areaa situation where the rules are unclear, so nobody is sure what is allowed
- a hidden agendaa secret reason or plan behind what someone says or does
- a hot potatoa difficult issue that people disagree about and nobody wants to deal with
- a lame ducka politician or government with little real power, often near the end of a term in office