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men in (grey) suits
01
powerful people in an organization, who are not known by many people
Dialect
British
British
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "men in grey 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 disconnected from ordinary people.
Examples
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.
The board of directors of the company was composed entirely of men in gray suits who were resistant to change and innovation, and who were not receptive to new ideas or perspectives.
