spear carriers
Minor stage players
Spear carriers are minor performers in theater or opera—extras who stand in the background, perhaps holding spears in crowd scenes, with no lines or significant action.
The term extends to any subordinate figures in an organization or endeavor who play supporting roles without real influence: The meeting was for decision-makers, not spear carriers.
- supernumeraryExceeding required number
- background actorNonspeaking performer in scenes
- extraAdditional, beyond necessary
- foot soldierBasic infantry combatant
- rank and fileOrdinary members collectively
walk-on · guard · line · bit player · minor role · second fiddle · bit parts · chorus · pikeman · minions · halberdier · redshirt · grip · hanger-on · flunkies · ensemble · cast · stage business
spear carriersleads
Goes in front
principals · stars · protagonists · headliners · leading ladies
spear carriersdecision-makers
Those with choosing power
leaders · key players · movers and shakers · principals · shot-callers
spear, carrier, spears, carriers, carry, carried, carrying, carriage, speared