Synonyms

good offices

American

plural noun

influence, especially with a person in a position of power.

He got the job through the good offices of his uncle.
services rendered by a mediator in a dispute.

Etymology

Origin of good offices

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ambassador Zhang Jun, a close Russian ally, said Beijing subscribes to Guterres’ view that even the most intractable issues can be solved by diplomacy and supports “his good offices aimed at reducing tensions.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2022

"Switzerland continues to stand ready to offer its good offices, that's a permanent offer," Johannes Matyassy, deputy head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, told journalists during a press conference.

From Reuters • Aug. 20, 2021

Dujarric said the secretary-general also wants the Venezuelan people to understand “that his good offices remain available should both sides request them.”

From Fox News • Apr. 30, 2019

For his good offices, Kennedy asked to be named ambassador to the Court of St. James’s. Roosevelt reportedly laughed at the thought: No one was less diplomatic than Joe Kennedy.

From New York Times • Nov. 15, 2016

“You have presumed upon my good offices and then deceived me. Now, I am going to have you arrested.”

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023