higher-up

/'haiər'ʌp/

Thân thiện

The manager is a higher-up in the company.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person of superior rank, position, or authority: Refers to an individual who holds a more senior or important position within an organization or hierarchy. 2. A superior: Someone who is above another in status, level, or command.

Usage

The term "higher-up" is an informal, often slightly colloquial noun used to refer collectively or individually to people in positions of authority, especially within a structured organization like a company, government, or military. It implies a chain of command or a hierarchy.

Examples

• The decision has to be approved by the higher-ups at the head office.
• I can't authorize that refund; you'll need to speak to a higher-up.
• The new policy came directly from the higher-ups, so we have to follow it.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in the plural form ("higher-ups") to refer to the group of people in senior management or leadership.
• It can carry a neutral, respectful, or sometimes slightly critical connotation, depending on context, often implying a degree of distance or bureaucracy.
• "To kick a decision/problem upstairs to the higher-ups": This phrase means to pass a difficult decision or issue to one's superiors for them to handle.
  • Example: My manager didn't want to take responsibility, so he kicked the problem upstairs to the higher-ups.

Variants and Related Words

• Superior (n): A more formal and direct synonym for a person of higher rank.
• Executive (n): A person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization.
• Boss (n): An informal term for a person in charge.
• Management (n): The people responsible for controlling and administering an organization (used collectively).

Synonyms

• Superior
• Senior
• Boss
• Executive
• Manager
• Administrator
• Chief

Antonyms

• Subordinate
• Underling
• Junior
• Employee (non-managerial)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• The powers that be: An idiom referring to the people in authority, often seen as anonymous or faceless.
  • Example: The powers that be have decided to close the department.
• The brass (informal, often military/police): High-ranking officials or officers.
  • Example: The plan was presented to the top brass.
• The top floor / The top tier: Metaphorical phrases referring to the highest level of management.
  • Example: That's a decision for the top floor.

Học thuật

Noun

1. one of greater rank or station or quality

Từ đồng nghĩa

• superior
• superordinate