be the power behind the throne

be the power behind the throne

To be the person who has true control or a great influence, but is not officially or publicly in charge. The president's charisma and likability got him elected into office, but his team of advisors is the real power behind the throne.

See also: behind, power, throne

be the (real) power behind the ˈthrone

be the person who really controls a family, business, country, etc., even though people think somebody else controls it: It’s not the president who makes the important decisions; his wife is the real power behind the throne.

See also: behind, power, throne