C2idiompoliticsIELTS-friendly
the power behind the throne
USUK
a person with no official title who secretly controls the person in charge
Used in politics and business. Compare 'the powers that be', which means people in authority in general.
In context
Everyone knew the president's adviser was the real power behind the throne.
In the family company, the founder's wife is the power behind the throne.
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