movers and shakers

British  

plural noun

1. informal the people with power and influence in a particular field of activity

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Etymology

Origin of movers and shakers

C20: perhaps from the line ``We are the movers and shakers of the world for ever'' in `Ode' by Arthur O'Shaughnessy (1844–81), British poet

Example Sentences

The splashy affair helped cement the reputation of the burgeoning community of about 1,000 full-time residents as a vacation retreat for Hollywood’s movers and shakers.

From Los Angeles Times

With its work by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jean-Michel Basquiat and many others, our critic called the show “a superlative entrée to the movers and shakers of the period.”

From The Wall Street Journal

That said, the big names here—Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jean-Michel Basquiat and many others—provide a superlative entrée to the movers and shakers of the period.

From The Wall Street Journal

When plans for the museum in Benin City were first announced in 2019, the movers and shakers on Nigeria's art scene hoped it would become their natural home - a state-of-the-art complex to show them off to the world.

From BBC

On the other a cohort of former players and established movers and shakers within the game who have become frustrated at a sport's perceived inability to grow, and who promise big financial backing.

From BBC