spear-carriers
Minor stage players
Spear-carriers are minor performers in a play or opera—extras who stand in the background, perhaps holding spears in battle scenes, but have no significant lines or role.
The term extends to any subordinate figures in an organization who carry out orders without influence: The CEO made decisions while the spear-carriers implemented them.
The implication is of anonymous, interchangeable supporting players.
Those ranked below
- underlingsLower-ranked employees
- bit playersMinor performers in productions
- also-ransDefeated contestants collectively
- small fryChildren or insignificant people
nobodies · foot soldiers · rank and file · second fiddle · backdrop · wallflowers · expendables · cogs
Additional items included
- bit playersMinor performers in productions
- supernumerariesAdditional performers beyond required
- walk-onsSmall nonspeaking roles
- chorusSingers performing together
ensemble · attendants · guards · soldiers · crowd scenes · entourage · retinue · courtiers
subordinates
Those ranked below
- underlingsLower-ranked employees
- bit playersMinor performers in productions
- also-ransDefeated contestants collectively
small fry · nobodies · foot soldiers · rank and file · second fiddle · backdrop · wallflowers · expendables · cogs · minions
extras
Additional items included
- bit playersMinor performers in productions
- supernumerariesAdditional performers beyond required
- walk-onsSmall nonspeaking roles
chorus · ensemble · attendants · guards · soldiers · crowd scenes · entourage · retinue · courtiers · servants
spear-carriersleads
Goes in front
principals · stars · protagonists · headliners · leading ladies
spear-carriersleaders
Those with authority
key players · decision-makers · principals · movers and shakers · power brokers
spear, carrier, spears, carriers, speared, spearing, carry, carries, carried