old-boy network

American  

[ohld-boi] / ˈoʊldˈbɔɪ /

noun

1. 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.

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old boy network British  

noun

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

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old boy network Cultural  

1. 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.”

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Etymology

Origin of old-boy network

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

"I had forgotten what an old-boy network it is," she says.

From Fox News

“I had forgotten what an old-boy network it is,” she says.

From Seattle Times

At a time when Washington was, for better or worse, driven by an old-boy network, Zeibert had a talent for bringing together political figures, journalists, lobbyists and sports figures for lunch, dinner and a stiff drink.

From Washington Post

Rampant class and generational issues play a part as well in what she sees as wine’s old-boy network and bro culture.

From New York Times

William S. Sessions, the scrupulously straight-arrow director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1987 to 1993 who faced down the agency’s old-boy network to start bringing in more black, Hispanic and female agents, only to be fired for petty financial misconduct, died June 12 at his son’s home in San Antonio.

From Washington Post