head honchos
Those in charge
Head honchos are the people in charge—the bosses, leaders, or top executives of an organization.
The phrase is informal and often carries a slightly irreverent tone, suggesting powerful figures viewed from below: The head honchos decided to close the factory.
Honcho comes from Japanese *hanchō* (squad leader), entering American English through soldiers returning from World War II and Korea.
- top dogDominant leader
- mogulInfluential industry leader
- bossWorkplace superior
- tycoonDominant industrial leader
- fat catWealthy, influential person
leader · executive · baron · CEO · corner office · bigwig · big wig · top brass · director · magnate · chief · kingpin · higher-ups · Captain · supervisor · movers and shakers · Mastermind · big cheese
- leadersleader, boss, leaders, bosses, chiefs
- VIPscelebrities, superstars, stars, legend, VIPs
- powerhousestitans, giants, juggernauts, heavyweights, behemoths
head honchosunderlings
Lower-ranked employees
subordinates · peons · minions · lackeys · grunts
head honchospowerless
Lacking strength or authority
pawns · have-nots · hired help · second fiddles · yes-men
head, heads, headed, heading, headings, header, headers, headless, headfirst