an elder statesman

elder statesman

1. One who is experienced and successful in a particular area. Because Michael's the elder statesman in our department, everyone always goes to him with questions.
2. One who is no longer working in a particular job but is still considered a valuable resource. Even though he's been retired for a year, Joe is still the elder statesman that gives us all feedback on our manuscripts.
See also: elder, statesman
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

an ˌelder ˈstatesman


1 a person who has had an important job in government, business, etc. and who, though he/she may have retired (= stopped work), is still likely to be asked for his/her opinion and advice
2 any experienced and respected person whose advice or work is valued: He is regarded as TV’s elder statesman, having worked for the giant CBS network for nearly twenty years.
See also: elder, statesman
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • elder
  • elder statesman
  • statesman
  • a past master
  • be certain that (something will happen or is the case)
  • It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back
  • 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
  • Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
  • deja
  • déjà vu
References in periodicals archive
In its condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, issued in Kaduna on Saturday, ACF said that Nigeria and the North in particular have lost an elder statesman, bridge builder and a leader who lived a simple and humble life.
As an elder statesman and a respected leader in the international community, Ramos meant all that he said on how President Duterte is running the country not to his liking.
"So is Innes and Andrew Weatherall." NOEL ON BEING AN ELDER STATESMAN OF ROCK "Do I feel it?
NOW something of an elder statesman in pop terms, Ronan Keating celebrates 20 years in the music business next year when he will play the LG Arena on Friday January 25 as part of the tour to promote upcoming album Fires - his ninth solo collection but the first for over six years during which time he has been heading a Boyzone revival as well as developing his TV and acting career.
In the years after he relinquished the Chief Ministership, he continued to be looked upon as an elder statesman, whose advice was sought by many political leaders in the state," she added.
Coyle said: "Because he's an elder statesman Graham will testify that you treat every game as your last."
WITH the style of an elder statesman Birmingham MP Sion Simon dispensed with the irony of the association of Billy Liar and politicians when he introduced the movie, part of the British Classic Film season, at Broad Street's Cineworld.
Other equally outstanding aspects of Franklin's remarkable life are covered as well, from his rise from humble beginnings to his status as one of Philadelphia's leading citizens, and his service to the US, both as an ambassador and as an elder statesman at the Constitutional Convention.
Both he and an elder statesman projectionist in the room were outraged.
Miniter then slaps Clinton for putting Richard Clarke of the National Security Council in charge of capturing the suspects, instead of "a general, a cabinet secretary or an elder statesman?' Or James Bond, for that matter.
Here is a man with the power to light up the lives of everyone he comes across, an elder statesman with such charisma that on a world stage he makes other leaders fade into a no-man's land of also-rans.
Chuck, incidentally, remains an elder statesman of his beloved game.
The editor published The Words of Gardner Taylor to illustrate the sermons of an elder statesman on the gospel and the rich tradition of African-American preaching.
Leaner than the first SITE Santa Fe Biennial in 1995, this year's installment featured an international cast of young artists - so young, in fact, that South African William Kentridge, born in 1955, came across here as an elder statesman - working within the frameworks of strategies associated with the pioneers of a previous generation (especially Vito Acconci, Chris Burden, Andy Warhol, and Bruce Nauman).