white-shoe

[ hwahyt-shoo, wahyt ]

/ ˈʰwaɪtˈʃu, ˈwaɪt /

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adjective

of or relating to members of the upper class who own or run large corporations: white-shoe bankers; a conservative white-shoe image.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of white-shoe

First recorded in 1975–80; apparently from the white shoes popular as moderately formal wear among suburban men c1980

How to use white-shoe in a sentence

Dutifully, she went to work for a white-shoe law firm, then became deputy general counsel for a Wall Street investment firm.
New Feminists: Young, Multicultural, Strategic, and Looking Out for Each Other|Gail Sheehy|February 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The white-shoe firm is cutting back on bankers and traders, and doubling down on the old-fashioned brokerage business.
Morgan Stanley Retreats From Investment Banking and Trading|Daniel Gross|January 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Logline: A young New-Jersey-born lawyer competes with her wealthier colleagues at a white-shoe Manhattan law firm.
TV Preview: Snap Judgments of 2012-13’s New Shows|Jace Lacob, Maria Elena Fernandez|June 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Before he retired recently from the white shoe law firm Milbank Tweed, Blattmachr counted many rich folks among his clients.
Is This the Week to Die?|Lloyd Grove|December 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST

And what about people who live in the South, the hub of the white-shoe rule, where there is warm weather year round?
Break Out the White Shoes|Renata Espinosa|May 27, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Change in last scene to tight-fitting black suit, ruffled collar and cravat, white shoe guards, black square-crowned hat.
By Force of Impulse|Harry V. Vogt
A shadow fell across the path; across the bride's white shoe.
The Boy with Wings|Berta Ruck
From beneath her skirt the toe of a small white shoe tapped the deck angrily.
Dragon's blood|Henry Milner Rideout
He kicked one foot out, and disgustedly contemplated a burst white shoe, while the duck trousers cracked.
Thrice Armed|Harold Bindloss
From the tip of her white shoe to the tip of her hat she was the futile and exquisite essence of Gotham.
Quick Action|Robert W. Chambers