the grass roots

The ordinary people in a group, as opposed to the leaders. Why shouldn't ordinary people take action? The grass roots of our society have been able to bring about major changes in the past.

See also: grass, root

the grass roots

COMMON The grass roots of an organization or movement are the ordinary people who form the main part of it, rather than its leaders. The revolution is actually coming from the grass roots and I think eventually the authorities will follow. This was a truly socialist party, ultimately controlled by its grass roots. Note: Grass-roots or grassroots can be used before a noun. The proposal is backed by grass-roots activists. The president won the election after a grassroots campaign. The leadership has become detached from what's going on at grassroots level.

See also: grass, root

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

the ˌgrass ˈroots

the ordinary people in an organization, for example a political party or trade union, and not the officials: The leaders of this union are losing contact with their members. They need to get back in touch with the grass roots. ▶ ˌgrass-ˈroots adj.: a grass-roots movement

See also: grass, root

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

grassroots

1. n. the common people, especially rural people. We really haven’t heard anything from the grassroots yet.

2. mod. having to do with or originating with the common people. A grassroots movement pushed Senator Del Monte toward the nomination.

grass roots

The fundamental level of anything; specifically, the rank and file of the electorate. Both usages date from about 1900, but the more common one today is the political one. Thus a candidate might concentrate on appealing to the grass roots of his or her constituency, or be said to be running a grass roots campaign.

See also: grass, root

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References in classic literature

She's a-coming, fellows, gold from the grass roots down, a hundred dollars to the pan, and a stampede in from the Outside fifty thousand strong.

View in context

At the base of the "V," by the water's edge, he had found the gold colors at the grass roots. The higher he went up the hill, the deeper the gold dipped.

View in context

Blackhawk acquired the Grass Roots Group for approximately GBP 90m (USD 118m) in cash, using a combination of cash-on-hand and borrowings under an existing revolving credit facility.

Deal snapshot: BLACKHAWK NETWORK CLOSES USD 118M ACQUISITION OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST GRASS ROOTS GROUP

The Grass Roots Group connects brands and people through services such as experience and insight, motivation, rewards, benefits, promotions and meetings and events.

Blackhawk Network acquires Grass Roots Group

That said, I shop farmers markets because the food is often superior to grocery store offerings, and I admire those who seek to put their ideals into practice, like the Arkansas farmers who've formed the Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative.

Farmers co-op seeks to foster efficiency

The money in English football is absurd, and I think it is time for the Premier League to make sure the grass roots game gets its share of the pie.

Clubs must support grass roots

NORTHBRIDGE -- The Grass Roots Coffeehouse will be featuring Slograss on April 12.

Slograss slated at coffeehouse

The Grass Roots: What team/ teams have you played for?

Meet the player - Libby Waller

Well, you can add the name The Grass Roots to the growing number of what might be called de-facto tribute bands that somehow acquire the legal right to use a once popular band's name, yet do not have a single member of the original band performing with them.

When it comes to bands, name not mean much

Carsley said: "The Grass Roots Football Show is a highlight of the Midlands football calendar and I am delighted to be making my coaching debut at the show.

Carsley making his debut as show coach

"The grass roots of the game are the bedrock on which everything else is built and I hope to be able to use the experience I have gained over the years to make a valuable contribution."

Hoffman to lead sport foundation; FOOTBALL