the boys in the back room

the boys in the back room

A group of men engaged in clandestine decision-making. We're not fools—we know that the boys in the back room actually have all the power around here.
See also: back, boy, room
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the boys in the back room

 and the backroom boys
Fig. any private group of men who make decisions, usually political decisions. (See also .) The boys in the back room picked the last presidential candidate. The backroom boys have decided too many things in the past. Their day is over.
See also: back, boy, room
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

boys in the back room

and back room boys
n. any private male group making decisions, usually politicians. The boys in the back room picked the last presidential candidate. Who picks out the back room boys? Who’s really in charge?
See also: back, boy, room
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • boys in the back room
  • back room
  • support
  • automated decision support
  • settle on
  • settle on (something)
  • ADS
  • fifth column
  • fifth columnist
  • children and fools tell the truth