the old boy network

the old-boy network

A network of privileged men who are members of the same organizations and institutions and who assist each other in professional advancement. When you graduate from Yale, you're not only getting a degree, but a priceless entry into the old-boy network.
See also: network
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the old boy network

BRITISH
The old boy network is the system of contacts made by men at private schools, universities or clubs, which they use to help each other. The majority obtained their positions through the old boy network. Note: This expression is used to show that you do not think that this sort of system is fair.
See also: boy, network, old
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the old boy network

mutual assistance, especially preferment in employment, shown among those with a shared social and educational background.
See also: boy, network, old
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the ˌold ˈboy network

(British English, informal) the practice of men who went to the same school using their influence to help each other at work or socially
See also: boy, network, old
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • network
  • old-boy network, the
  • the old-boy network
  • assist (one) at
  • assist at
  • assist
  • assist in
  • assist with
  • be light years away
  • affirmative action
References in periodicals archive
From the weird goal that settled it, to the decent chances Everton created, the control and quality of their game and the type of football Evertonians want to see, the old boy network should be shut down on that comment alone.
We agreed it was rich the old boy network was trying to write it off as youthful exuberance.
This is because the parents who pay for the independent schools, buy not just a particular type of education, but for an enormous social capital, the old boy network.
I AM puzzled by JAH Porteous' last few words of his letter of January 30 headlined "Cash crisis and the old boy network", when he writes a certain secret society will offer Gordon Brown directorships for his looking after them.
"This person will come to Washington and the old boy network had better look out - because change is coming" - John McCain, the Republican nominee for the US presidency, on his running mate.
All this twaddle smacks of the old boy network and the fawning and erchie-licking that characterised the sport several decades ago.
This 'get your hair cut, lad' attitude typifies the anachronistic, forelock-tugging outlook that regards racing in Britain as the exclusive province of the old boy network and keeps new - and, more especially, younger - customers from flowing through the turnstiles.
I suspect the problem is not the money but the class snobbery still prevalent in Oxbridge colleges where the old boy network is alive, well and operating against young people from poor backgrounds and education establishments without the social connections of expensive public schools.
The report says: "There are a number of reasons - fear of conflict, misogyny, the bishop's wish to present a united front to the world, a devotion to the old boy network, or, in some cases, to a closeted gay network, laziness, indifference and excessive concern about what Rome thinks and the habitual stance of not taking women seriously."
They're fairly lowly in the scheme of things as they're not part of the old boy network," said one economist.
"As black women continue to grow their businesses and turn profits, the old boy network will stand up and take notice," says the Nashville native, who holds a degree in mathematics from Fisk University and an M.B.A.
"They were upset with Goldsmith because he broke up the old boy network," says a Democratic councilman.
Taking cues from Madison Avenue rather the Old Boy Network, the new breed uses marketing flash to lure customers, and scatters field offices like a fried-chicken chain.
But under David Cameron the old boy network appears stronger than ever.
Never mind mega bonuses, which the new Government has done nothing to stop, isn't it nice to see the old boy network looking after its own.