grass roots

the grass roots

The ordinary people in a group, as opposed to the leaders. Why shouldn't ordinary people take action? The grass roots of our society have been able to bring about major changes in the past.
See also: grass, root
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the grass roots

COMMON The grass roots of an organization or movement are the ordinary people who form the main part of it, rather than its leaders. The revolution is actually coming from the grass roots and I think eventually the authorities will follow. This was a truly socialist party, ultimately controlled by its grass roots. Note: Grass-roots or grassroots can be used before a noun. The proposal is backed by grass-roots activists. The president won the election after a grassroots campaign. The leadership has become detached from what's going on at grassroots level.
See also: grass, root
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the ˌgrass ˈroots

the ordinary people in an organization, for example a political party or trade union, and not the officials: The leaders of this union are losing contact with their members. They need to get back in touch with the grass roots. ▶ ˌgrass-ˈroots adj.: a grass-roots movement
See also: grass, root
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

grass roots

The fundamental level of anything; specifically, the rank and file of the electorate. Both usages date from about 1900, but the more common one today is the political one. Thus a candidate might concentrate on appealing to the grass roots of his or her constituency, or be said to be running a grass roots campaign.
See also: grass, root
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • grassroots
  • the grass roots
  • at the grass roots
  • clout
  • clout list
  • Joe Public
  • John Q Public
  • John Q. Public
  • a man of the people
  • a man/woman of the people
References in periodicals archive
From the results of the in situ and laboratory water content shown in Table 3, it is observed that vetiver grass roots increased the average soil water content by about 11.63% in field.
Interaction between Vetiver Grass Roots and Completely Decomposed Volcanic Tuff under Rainfall Infiltration Conditions
Commenting on the tournaA[degrees]ment, Andrew Squires, general manager of Wattayah Motors, said, "On behalf of Volkswagen and Wattayah Motors, I would like to congratulate the Muscat Grass Roots and Muscat Football Academy teams on winning the Volkswagen Junior Masters Oman 2016 Tournament.
Volkswagen Junior Masters Oman winners announced
Commenting on the tournament, Andrew Squires, the General Manager of Wattayah Motors said: "On behalf of Volkswagen and Wattayah Motors I would like to congratulate the Muscat Grass Roots and Muscat Football Academy teams on winning the Volkswagen Junior Masters Oman 2016 Tournament.
Muscat Grass Roots, Muscat Football Academy qualify for Volkswagen Junior Masters Middle East
Grass Roots Farmers Co-op sells its meats through its "Herds to Home" community-supported agriculture delivery service.
Farmers co-op seeks to foster efficiency
The Grass Roots: Describe the best goal you ever scored.
Meet the player - Libby Waller
Last Saturday, a group of four musicians calling themselves the Grass Roots performed at the Seneca Niagara Casino for a local charity's fund-raising event.
When it comes to bands, name not mean much
Carsley said: "The Grass Roots Football Show is a highlight of the Midlands football calendar and I am delighted to be making my coaching debut at the show.
Carsley making his debut as show coach
Europe's biggest grass roots football show is back at the NEC in Birmingham from the 25th -- 27th May and with a ground breaking partnership with The FA promises to be the biggest in the history of the event.
Sir Trevor Brooking Launches Grass Roots Football Show 2012
Nike's green grass roots. The annual GreenBiz Innovation Forum in San Francisco last month yielded some remarkable information and insight on how major U.S.
Nike's green grass roots
The foundation is a partnership between the Premier League, the FA and Government which invests in grass roots sports facilities.
Hoffman to lead sport foundation; FOOTBALL
I ENDORSE four statements in your Behind the Headlines piece in last week's paper that rugby in Wales at grass roots level sadly is dying.
The clubs are the union
Well now you have the chance to do just that at this year's brmb Grass Roots Football Show
ROBBIE'S COMPETITION
the world governing body for football, made a fervent appeal to member nations to embrace the essentials of grass roots and youth development to ensure a proper and structured sustenance of the sport at the global stage.
Grass roots key to development
CONSTRUCTION building services firm Avoca Consulting Engineers has stepped in to safeguard the future of a local football team following cut backs to grass roots budgets.
Team scores thanks to construction firm