the unwashed

the (great) unwashed

The broader general public, especially those of the lower and lower-middle classes. The film didn't cause too great a stir with the great unwashed, but it has been considered a milestone in cinematic achievement among film critics. The world of the super-rich is one that we among the great unwashed can't even begin to understand. It's a castle—of course it's not open to the unwashed like us.
See also: unwashed
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

the (great) unwashed

the mass or multitude of ordinary people. derogatory
1997 Spectator Early piers tried to be rather socially exclusive, but the need to maintain revenue soon opened the gates to the great unwashed.
See also: unwashed
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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