movers and shakers
Meaning
People with power and influence who make things happen and drive decisions.
Origin
From the idea of people who can "move" events and "shake" up the status quo. Often traced to an 1870 poem by Arthur O'Shaughnessy (“We are the movers and shakers…”), later popularized in business/politics.
Notes
Often used in business/politics for influential decision-makers. Slightly formal; can be admiring or mildly ironic/critical depending on tone.
Examples
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The conference was packed with movers and shakers from the tech industry.
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She’s a mover and shaker in local politics, and her endorsement carries weight.
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If you want funding, you’ll need to network with the movers and shakers in the venture capital world.
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The charity gala attracted movers and shakers who could actually influence policy.
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He used to be one of the movers and shakers in Hollywood, but he keeps a low profile now.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed plural noun phrase. Common patterns: “the movers and shakers (in/of) [industry/scene]”, “network with movers and shakers”. Rarely used in singular.
Synonyms
- power brokers
- influencers
- decision-makers
- bigwigs
- heavy hitters
- the powers that be
Antonyms
- nobodies
- little people
- rank and file