grey eminence
Power behind throne
A grey eminence is a powerful adviser who operates behind the scenes, wielding influence without holding official position or public visibility.
The term comes from the French *éminence grise*, originally applied to Cardinal Richelieu's confidant Father Joseph, who wore grey robes.
The real decisions were made by the grey eminence in the back office.
Also spelled gray eminence.
- powerbrokerWielder of political influence
- power behind the throneHidden controller of affairs
- pulling stringsExercising covert influence
- consigliereMafia boss's trusted counselor
- influencePower to affect others
behind the scenes · behind closed doors · back channel · advisor · authority · fixer · go-between · Kissinger · shadow government · shadowy figure · Rasputin · intimate · inner circle · silent partner · old boy network · confidant · puppet master · kingmaker
grey eminencefigurehead
Nominal leader, no authority
front man · spokesperson · poster child · media darling · standard-bearer
grey eminenceelected official
Voter-chosen public servant
head of state · monarch · president · prime minister · sovereign
grey eminencepublic servant
Government worker serving citizens
elected representative · open book · populist leader · man of the people
grey, eminence, eminent, eminently, eminences, greyish, grayish, greyer, grayer