old-boy network

[ ohld-boi ]

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.

old boy network

noun

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

old boy network

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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of old-boy network¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

She’s also exhibited a zero tolerance for racism and sexism that has festered inside the old-boy network that has long shaped personnel decisions inside the DEA.

From Washington Times

She’s also exhibited a zero tolerance for racism and sexism that has festered inside the old-boy network that has long shaped personnel decisions inside the DEA.

From Seattle Times

Barack Obama, the old-boy network and the desire to protect their own prevailed.

From Slate

Now, many Catholics view him as an emblem of a rotten old-boy network in which the people at the top never face justice for their role in crimes involving sexual abuse by clergy.

From Washington Post

Diversity, equity and inclusion executives say they are exhausted by an old-boy network that is continuously trying to reconstitute itself: Women who were hired for big jobs and held up as triumphant examples of a new era have been pushed aside, while some of the men who were sidelined by misconduct accusations are working again.

From New York Times