work through channels
work through channels
To follow the proper bureaucratic procedures and hierarchies of authority in order to do something. I know the whole system is horribly convoluted, but you'll have to work through channels if you want to appeal the decision. The politician promised that she was working through channels in Washington to overhaul the tax code for lower- and middle-class workers.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
work through channels
Fig. to try to get something done by going through the proper procedures and persons. You can't accomplish anything around here if you don't work through channels. I tried working through channels, but it takes too long. This is an emergency.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.