friend at court

American  

noun

1. a friend in a position of influence or power who may advance one's interests, especially a helpful person who is close to someone in authority.

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friend at court British  

noun

1. an influential acquaintance who can promote one's interests

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Etymology

Origin of friend at court

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

In interviews, Mr. Nichols often recommended that aspiring writers “get a friend at court,” someone who could help them mount their plays and serve as an advocate behind the scenes.

From Washington Post

I had no true friend at court, except Elnora.

From Literature

"Or so he'd have you believe. You think you're the only one he whispers secrets to? He gives each of us just enough to convince us that we'd be helpless without him. He played the same game with me, when I first wed Robot. For years, I was convinced I had no truer friend at court, but now . . ." She studied his face for a moment.

From Literature

Brenton has cited in interviews a reaction in the 1990s against left-wing political writing, while Nichols has referred in diaries and articles to the importance in theatre of having a committed director or producer to serve as a "friend at court".

From The Guardian

Fortunately Rupert had a friend at court in the person of Edward's wife, Anne de Gonzague.

From Project Gutenberg