silent partner

noun

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

silent partner

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of silent partner¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

Before President Barack Obama’s makeover of the student loan system in 2010, the federal government was essentially a silent partner in a $60 billion program.

From Washington Post

In Iraq, Tehran was our silent partner, working to break an ISIS siege and edging out Maliki.

From The Daily Beast

Next to her, Jenny Sanford, author of Staying True, and Dina Matos McGreevey, author of Silent Partner, look like wallflowers.

From The Daily Beast

At this time Cochin was also a silent partner in Matifat's drug-store.

From Project Gutenberg

He was an abstracted and silent partner, and in the intervals of dancing he studied his cuff.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the first one to take your candies to South Riveredge, cried Jean, with thoughts ever for the faithful old silent partner.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Meadows, the president, will take all telephone messages, as the horse is a silent partner.

From Project Gutenberg

Did she know what he meant to do with them; that is, was Cordelia a silent partner in Egbert's stock speculations?

From Project Gutenberg