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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • throne
  • power behind the throne
  • power behind the throne, the
  • the power behind the throne
  • bring a charge against
  • bring a charge against (someone)
  • for the record
  • just for the record
  • lay a charge
  • wallpaper
References in periodicals archive
Constance also desired to be the power behind the throne by replacing John with her son Arthur, but she was dependent on the French court.