View synonyms for éminence grise

éminence grise

[ French ey-mee-nahns greez ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural é·mi·nences grises [ey-mee-nah, n, s , greez].

gray eminence.

éminence grise

/ eminɑ̃s ɡriz /

noun

a person who wields power and influence unofficially or behind the scenes

éminence grise

A person who wields power behind the scenes: “The king's brother-in-law is his éminence grise; he has enormous influence, though he is rarely in the public eye.” A French term meaning “gray eminence.”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of éminence grise¹

From French

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Word History and Origins

Origin of éminence grise¹

C19: literally: grey eminence, originally applied to Père Joseph (François Le Clerc du Tremblay; died 1638), French monk, secretary of Cardinal Richelieu

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Example Sentences

Even before his long career in government ended, he was an éminence grise in American public life.

From The Daily Beast

Bill Clinton could have a relationship with an intern and still be greeted as an éminence grise years later.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, no one embodies knowing youthfulness more than Oscar de la Renta, the éminence grise of American fashion.

From The Daily Beast

Take as an illustration of the contrary practice such a masterpiece in its way as Gérôme's "Éminence Grise."

From Project Gutenberg

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