Synonyms

silent partner

American

noun

a partner taking no active part in the conduct of a business.

silent partner British

noun

Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): sleeping partner. a partner in a business who does not play an active role, esp one who supplies capital

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of silent partner

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

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.

Natalie Whelton, senior wealth adviser and wealth strategist at HB Wealth, said she works hard to help the more silent partner speak up in retirement planning.

From MarketWatch

His defence was immaculate as he played the silent partner.

From BBC

There is a silent partner in every screamer of course.

From BBC

Over the past three months she discovered that throwing events with a silent partner isn’t as difficult as she thought.

From Los Angeles Times

Robbie had another advantage, perhaps a silent partner helping her get on track: the wordless opening sequence.

From Los Angeles Times

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