power behind the throne
A person with great influence who stays behind the scenes and has no apparent authority. For example, Harry may be the CEO, but it's obvious that his wife is the power behind the throne. [Mid-1800s]
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powell, lake, power, power amplifier, power assist, power base, power behind the throne, power brake, power brand, power broker, power cable, power chain
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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