straw boss

Related to straw boss: straw man, canebrake

straw boss

A mid-level or junior supervisor with minimal authority over others. My official title was kitchen manager, but I was really just a straw boss since I couldn't do more than schedule shifts and order supplies. She's nothing more than a straw boss, but Janet acts like she runs the place now.
See also: boss, straw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

straw boss

A subordinate boss, a worker who supervises other workers as well as performing regular duties. For example, Jim was pleased when he was promoted to straw boss. This term alludes to the person's position as a straw man, that is, a front or cover for the real boss and of only nominal importance. [Late 1800s]
See also: boss, straw
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

straw boss

n. a foreman; anyone who is second in command. I don’t mind being a straw boss as long as they pay me.
See also: boss, straw
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • old codger/coot/fogy
  • scrape through
  • take the money and run
  • be on the hush
  • be on the hush-hush
  • hush
  • on the hush
  • on the hush-hush
  • on the DL
  • get out of jail free card
References in periodicals archive
Like building a barn, tying the Straw Boss successfully depends on starting with a solid foundation.
The Straw Boss is made from two bunches of bucktail--the second one represents the wing color and the lower part of the tail.
This fly takes a little patience to tie and fish properly, but if you put the Straw Boss in charge, I think you will see some serious results.
The straw boss: a freshwater pattern proves deadly in the salt
"The old regulations were designed for a 1950s work force populated by straw bosses and keypunch operators--not the network of engineers and Webmasters of the 21st century," says FMI president and c.e.o.
Industry supports overtime rules
The current regulations, written in 1949, mention job classifications that no longer exist, such as key punch operators, straw bosses, leg men and gang leaders.
Labor Department rewrites rules for overtime pay. (Managing Your Business)
This internal wrapping can include tissue (acid free for silver), clean unprinted white paper (newsprint), globular straw bossed sheets (found between new crockery), bubble-wrap, polystyrene granules, carton inserts and dividers.
If you don't want it damaged, get it packed properly