Idiom: Éminence Grise
Check definitions of...
griseMeanings
Borrowed from French éminence grise (literally “grey eminence”), originally applied to François Leclerc du Tremblay (1577–1638), also known as Père Joseph, a French Capuchin friar who was the confidant and agent of Cardinal Richelieu (1585–1642), the chief minister of France under Louis XIII (1601–1643). The term refers to du Tremblay’s influence over the Cardinal (who bore the honorific of Eminence), and the colour of his habit (grey, rather than the red of a cardinal).[1]
How to pronounce "éminence grise":
US
A secret or unofficial decision-maker.
éminence grise
Example Sentences
1
The éminence grise behind the decision remained unknown.
2
He was considered the éminence grise of the political party.
3
The éminence grise advised the CEO on every major business decision.
4
She became the éminence grise of the fashion industry.
5
The éminence grise was a powerful figure in the government.
