old-boy network

American  

[ohld-boi] / ˈoʊldˈbɔɪ /

noun

1. an exclusive network that links members of a profession, social class, or organization or the alumni of a particular school through which the individuals assist one another in business, politics, etc.

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old boy network British  

noun

1. informal the appointment to power of former pupils of the same small group of public schools or universities

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old boy network Cultural  

1. A set of relationships based on past friendship or acquaintance that sometimes replaces or undermines official organizations: “He didn't deserve that promotion; he got it because of his connections to the old boy network.”

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Etymology

Origin of old-boy network

First recorded in 1955–60