friends in high places
Well-connected social network
Friends in high places are powerful or influential connections—people in positions of authority who can help you get things done, bypass obstacles, or receive favorable treatment.
The phrase usually implies advantage through personal relationships rather than merit: She got the job because she has friends in high places.
Often used with a hint of cynicism about how the world really works.
- ride the coattailsProfit from another's achievement
- pulling stringsExercising covert influence
- connectionsRelationships between things
- inner circleExclusive group of confidants
- privilegeExclusive right or benefit
favors · clout · opportunities · elite · VIP treatment · influence · power broker · politician · access · decision-makers · old boys' network · patronage · policymakers · businessman · protection · celebrity · nepotism · royalty
friends in high placesoutsider
One excluded from group
on the outside looking in · shut out · persona non grata · blacklisted · man on the street
friend, friends, friendly, friendliness, unfriendly, befriend, befriended, friendship, friendships