brain trust

¹

noun

1. a group of experts from various fields who serve as unofficial consultants on matters of policy and strategy.

brain-trust

²

[ breyn-truhst ]

verb (used with object)

1. to serve as a brain trust or a brain truster for:

   They have brain-trusted many major corporations.

brain trust

¹

1. A group of intellectuals and planners who act as advisers, especially to a government. The phrase is particularly associated with the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt .

brain trust

²

1. A group of experts who serve as advisers to a government or an organization: “Before being appointed to the cabinet, Brown had been a leading figure in a financial brain trust.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of brain trust¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Idioms and Phrases

A group of experts who serve as unofficial but vital advisers. For example, Each town manager seemed to have his or her own brain trust, which of course changed with every election . This term, closely associated with President Franklin Roosevelt's advisers on domestic and foreign policy in the early 1930s, was first recorded in 1910.

Example Sentences

Maybe now this two-time winning World Series manager, and the man with the highest winning percentage in the history of baseball, will receive a contract extension from the Dodgers’ brain trust.

From Los Angeles Times

It does not appear that Roberts’ Rules were followed, as the Dodgers’ brain trust allowed Jack Flaherty to give up eight runs in only three innings.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a classic case of the Dodgers’ renowned brain trust outsmarting themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

West would go on to win in Memphis and as a consultant with the Golden State Warriors before finishing his career as a valued part of the Clippers’ brain trust.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s like a brain trust over there that he cultivates.”

From New York Times