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

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