backroom boy

backroom boy

Someone who advises a public figure or maintains a professional role that does not garner public attention. Originally used to describe scientists and technicians who worked without public knowledge or recognition in the United Kingdom during World War II. Primarily heard in UK. Although he is a skilled political strategist, he lacks the charm and charisma necessary to run for office himself and, therefore, is likely to stay a backroom boy for the rest of his career. We're not fools—we know that the backroom boys actually have all the power around here.
See also: backroom, boy
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the ˈback-room boys

(British English) scientists, researchers, etc. who do important work but do not have direct contact with the public: It’s thanks to the back-room boys more than to the sales team that the product is such a success.
See also: boy
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

back room boys

verb
See boys in the back room
See also: back, boy, room
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • back room boys
  • backroom
  • the back-room boys
  • public eye
  • alert
  • alert the public
  • make public
  • be public property
  • the common weal
  • the public weal
References in periodicals archive
But pals say the pop backroom boy is fiercely ambitious - and told how his geeky appearance hides a love of raucous partying.
Amy's new man used to say he'd do anything to get rich..and he'd love to be famous; EXCLUSIVE PALS OF LOVER SPEAK OUT
Scores of cameramen, police and members of the public watched him turn up to start his pounds 60-a-week stint as the theatre's backroom boy.
LORD LIAR CELL OUT; Archer was superb - it's his first honest performance in years; It's a real farce; Great premier ... sorry, premiere; Jailed Tory peer gets day release for showbiz job
But pals say the pop backroom boy is fiercely ambitious and his geeky appearance hides a love of partying.
Amy's new man hooked on fame; EXCLUSIVE HIS PALS SPEAK OUT
And how the old boy seemed to be enjoying his unexpected new lease of life as front man, rather than anonymous backroom boy.
PROWLING PLEAT; Spurs 3 Leeds 3: But David ends up all smiles
Backroom boy Chester has impressed Walter Smith with his expertise and has been given the brief to set up a network which will enable Rangers to keep tabs on the up-and-coming continental talent.
Walter's point
Aberdeen made it a night to remember for legendary Pittodrie backroom boy Teddy Scott last night by dumping Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
We're United for Teddy
The backroom boy who helped smooth the path to greatness for Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas dazzled us on his solo debut album Get Lifted.
CD Reviews: new SINGLEs
Meanwhile the first victory of France 98 was clinched last night when Tommy Burns beat fellow backroom boy Alex McLeish to sign midfielder Grant Brebner.
SCOTS WIN WILL TOP OFF MY DEAL
HE DAYS of auditors as grey-suited backroom boys is over.
Once-staid audit firms enter brave new world; THE CITY VIEW
Is this football's new way - where decisions on players are taken by faceless backroom boys...
MAW STRIFE FOR SLAVISA
Congress has become a party that is run by a clutch of old backroom boys who think it's risky to use its eloquent leaders to engage Narendra Modi and his minions in a debate that would expose the RSS-BJP and make it clear to misled citizens waiting for 'Achhe Din' where the country is headed.
Stating The Obvious
He struck out on his own as manager of ally to join on a temporary Meet the backroom boys - Page 48
ellis joins team pulis; veteran signs up as boro's assistant manager to replace david kemp
I haven't seen the blueprint, but here's the headache for the 'backroom boys': Growing manufacturing depends on the subsectors.
'Big Four' a war chest facade
Current backroom boys Sean Long and Paul Wellens are further down the list at 100/1.
Dean's BACK for Widnes; FORWARD ON ALERT FOR RETURN FROM INJURY
Backroom boys Paul Bracewell and Adrian Tucker could stay on Sunderland's first-team coaching staff beyond the summer.
Sunderland could offer Paul Bracewell a place in new backroom team; Sunderland's next boss is likely to include Paul Bracewell and Adrian Tucker in his first-team coaching staff