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UKmen in (gray) suits
/mˈɛn ɪn ɡɹˈeɪ sˈuːts/
/mˈɛn ɪn ɡɹˈeɪ sˈuːts/men in (gray) suits
[PHRASE]1
the people who have a lot of power and authority within an organization but are not known by many people
What is the origin of the idiom "men in suits" and when to use it?
The phrase "men in suits" originated in the mid-20th century when corporate culture became more formalized, and the business suit became a symbol of authority and power. It became popularized in the 1950s and 1960s and is still used today to describe those in positions of power and authority who are seen as out of touch with ordinary people.
Examples
1. The art world was criticized for being dominated by men in suits who were more interested in preserving traditional values than in promoting new and innovative artists.
2. Mr Sneck and the two men in suits did not look happy, but in front of Jake and Brigid they could do nothing.
3. The protesters are tired of being ignored by the men in suits who run the government and the corporations.
4. I mean, when I see like four white men in suits like that I just think they're passing racist legislation.
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