old-boy network

[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.
Origin
1955-60
British Dictionary definitions for old boy network

old boy network

noun
1.
(Brit, informal) the appointment to power of former pupils of the same small group of public schools or universities
old boy network in Culture

old boy network definition


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.”

Slang definitions & phrases for old boy network

old boy network

noun phrase

A reciprocally supportive, exclusive, and influential group of men, esp those who were friends at some prestigious school or college; in-group: an ''old-girl'' network to rival the much-ballyhooed ''old-boy'' network/ It's an old boys' system. Once you have a few commissions under your belt, one architect recommends you to another (1959+ British)