straw boss

¹

noun

1. a member of a work crew, as in a factory or logging camp, who acts as a boss; assistant foreman.

straw-boss

²

[straw-baws, -bos]

verb (used with object)

1. to act as a straw boss to.

   She was assigned to straw-boss the night shift.

Word History and Origins

Origin of straw boss¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Idioms and Phrases

A subordinate boss, a worker who supervises other workers as well as performing regular duties. For example, Jim was pleased when he was promoted to straw boss. This term alludes to the person's position as a straw man, that is, a front or cover for the real boss and of only nominal importance. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

The straw boss had no faith in her, having watched her sweating hard to fill her sack as quickly as the children, but she was highly and suddenly vocal in her determination.

From Literature

Federal lawmakers such as Chaffetz clearly consider themselves straw bosses and chieftains — masters of all they survey from their vantage point on Capitol Hill.

From Washington Post

“Break up that prayer meeting!” the white straw boss yelled.

From Literature

The one name you will not find in that essay is Lance Armstrong, who was the straw boss of the team during Vaughters’s short time around the Tour.

From New York Times

He had not gone himself, but took a straw boss's job in the pipe mill.

From Project Gutenberg