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

There is a silent partner in every screamer of course.

From BBC

Over the past three months she discovered that throwing events with a silent partner isn’t as difficult as she thought.

From Los Angeles Times

Robbie had another advantage, perhaps a silent partner helping her get on track: the wordless opening sequence.

From Los Angeles Times

They would control the firm by virtue of their large stake in it, but other investors could buy the company’s shares if they wanted to join in as essentially silent partners.

From Los Angeles Times

Sources with a close working knowledge of Ratcliffe have told BBC Sport it was "impossible to imagine" he would agree to being a silent partner.

From BBC