be the power behind the throne

be the power behind the throne

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

See also: behind, power, throne

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017