committee of one

noun

1. an individual person designated to function alone as a committee.

Word History and Origins

Origin of committee of one¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

In other words, the special committee was a committee of one, Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, a former executive of Walgreens and Kellogg’s.

From Los Angeles Times

When I published N.B.A. power rankings every Monday during the regular season for 15 years at ESPN, I occasionally sparred with angry readers who blamed The Committee of One, as I had dubbed myself, for jinxing their team with a ranking too lofty.

From New York Times

On the day of our visit, we were greeted by a welcoming committee of one — a beagle wearing a St. Patrick’s Day bandanna — which quickly turned into two, as Maverick the miniature poodle rushed over.

From Washington Post

“If we’re gonna go to handling emergencies from a committee of one - as much as maybe we don’t think that’s correct or it’s too much power - to potentially a committee of 150, I’m not sure which is a better way to handle an emergency,” said Democratic Sen. Tim Lanane of Anderson.

From Washington Times

But when he wants to buy a stock, he reports to an investment committee of one: his father.

From New York Times