grassroots

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

grassroots

1. n. the common people, especially rural people. We really haven’t heard anything from the grassroots yet.
2. mod. having to do with or originating with the common people. A grassroots movement pushed Senator Del Monte toward the nomination.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • grass roots
  • 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
Not surprisingly, grassroots football feels neglect.
GAME OF 2 HALVES; As Prem giants spend PS1BILLION on players, junior clubs are facing a desperate fight to survive; EXCLUSIVE
Harmison - whose brother Ben is a cricketer too - points to the Euros as proof football would be foolish to turn its back on the grassroots.
A league of their own
Grassroots advocacy is a practical, resourceful tool to educate and inform our elected leaders on the commitments Madison Telephone Co.
How grassroots advocacy helps telcos and legislators alike
Information on grassroots football is also shared on Twitter by following @DurhamFA, Facebook and Instagram.
Durham County FA News: Sport Grants and Coaching Opportunities; John Topping, Company Secretary of the Durham County Football Association on FA investment and skills development
Post-punk Cardiff trio Young Marble Giants, who recorded their first LP in 1979 at the Grassroots coffee bar, will headline the gig at The Globe on Albany Road on August 6.
Super Furry bassist turns DJ to help save youth project
In Friday's statement, Fleming said that maintaining independence was "necessary for the credibility of the growing Texas grassroots movement, and as we move into the next election cycle, we do not want our endorsements and positions to be viewed as anything other than our own independent decisions, based on conservative, limited government principles."
Patrick Dissolves His Advisory Board
"Without grassroots football, professional football in Asia would be in jeopardy.
Grassroots football crucial for growth says Shaikh Salman
IFA, Microsoft and Southwest Airlines won top honors during the Public Affairs Council's National Grassroots Conference for their unique grassroots innovations.
IFA receives award for innovation in grassroots advocacy: the IFA app used tweets and Facebook messages posted through the app by fly-in attendees that were seen by thousands of Twitter followers and Facebook friends across the country
The retired draftsman said: "The book will bring back a lot of memories to the thousands of grassroots footballers who enjoyed the game on local parks.
Ex-footballer writes book on parks life
“We're excited to leverage the collective action model of Groupon Grassroots to raise support to change perspectives for underserved and underprivileged students,” said Zay Collier, Executive Director.
Phoenix Arising Aviation Academy Partners with Groupon Grassroots to Sponsor a Flight-Training Summer Camp
Campaigns will be available on Groupon city deal pages within each participating market, identifiable with a "Great Cause" tag, as well as in the Groupon Grassroots gallery at http://www.groupon.com/promos/grassroots.
-Groupon Grassroots kicks off back-to-school campaigns
But anyone who wants their grassroots hero to be in with a chance of winning must vote quickly, as nominations close on Monday.
Ian Rush wants your votes for grassroots heroes
And it says it all about the man who has given 44 years of his life to the grassroots game up north that King Kenny couldn't decide which made him more proud.
CALLING ALL HEROES
Keywords Terrorist organization * Life cycle * Grassroots support * Conflict * Demise * Cyclical * Defence
The life cycle of terrorist organizations
Drawing on interviews with grassroots Liberal Party activists across Canada, Koop, a professor of political science, examines the connections and divides between the national party apparatus and local Liberal organizations across the provinces.
Grassroots liberals; organizing for local and national politics