movers and shakers

plural noun

1. informal.
   the people with power and influence in a particular field of activity

Word History and Origins

Origin of movers and shakers¹

C20: perhaps from the line ``We are the movers and shakers of the world for ever'' in `Ode' by Arthur O'Shaughnessy (1844–81), British poet

Example Sentences

Trump himself is the “Chief Crypto Advocate" and Trump's oldest sons, the alleged movers and shakers of this deal, are both called “Web3 Ambassadors."

From Salon

The Pacific Dining Car restaurant building, a historic-cultural monument where the city’s movers and shakers once dined, was heavily damaged in a fire on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

The red carpet at the exclusive Hôtel du Cap, Eden Roc, was awash with models, actors, singers and fashion designers as well as plenty of festival movers and shakers, who paid thousands of euros for a table at the hottest event in town.

From Seattle Times

The prime minister praised the charter and said he was "very supportive of the excellent work that the Movers and Shakers do".

From BBC

The Movers and Shakers podcast began in February 2023 and also features former BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones, the broadcaster's ex-Europe and North America editor Mark Mardell, correspondent Gillian Lacey-Solymar, the late Princess Diana's divorce barrister Sir Nick Mostyn and Vicar of Dibley co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer.

From BBC