old-boy network

[ ohld-boi ]
/ ˈoʊldˈbɔɪ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR old-boy network ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

an exclusive network that links members of a profession, social class, or organization or the alumni of a particular school through which the individuals assist one another in business, politics, etc.

Origin of old-boy network

First recorded in 1955–60

Words nearby old-boy network

old woman, old world, old world leishmaniasis, old world monkey, old world scops owl, old-boy network, old-boyism, old-established, old-fashioned, old-field colt, old-girl network

Words related to old boy network

Freemasonry, networking, fellowship, colleagues

British Dictionary definitions for old boy network

old boy network

noun

British informal the appointment to power of former pupils of the same small group of public schools or universities

Cultural definitions for old boy network

old boy network

A set of relationships based on past friendship or acquaintance that sometimes replaces or undermines official organizations: “He didn't deserve that promotion; he got it because of his connections to the old boy network.”