old school tie
Noun: 1. A necktie in the colors or bearing the emblem of a particular school, especially a British private school, worn by former students: This is the literal meaning, referring to the item of clothing itself. 2. The informal system of mutual assistance and preferential treatment among people who attended the same prestigious school, seen as upholding traditional values and class privilege: This is a figurative and critical meaning, referring to the social network and its perceived effects.
The term is used to describe both the physical tie and, more commonly, the social phenomenon it represents. When used figuratively, it often carries a connotation of exclusivity, elitism, or outdated tradition.
Examples: * Literal: He was easily identifiable at the reunion by his distinctive old school tie. * Figurative: He got the job through the old school tie, not because of his qualifications. * Figurative: The company's board was criticized for being dominated by the old school tie network.
- The concept is particularly associated with the British establishment and the alumni of "public schools" (like Eton, Harrow).
- It can be used as a modifier, e.g., "old-school-tie mentality" or "old-school-tie network."
- The phrase often implies that connections and shared background are valued over merit.
- Old boy network: A very close synonym for the figurative meaning, emphasizing the system of mutual assistance among male alumni.
- Alumni association: A neutral, formal term for an organization of a school's former students, without the connotation of exclusivity or privilege.
- Figurative meaning: Cronyism, nepotism (within a specific context), the establishment, the old boy network.
- Figurative meaning: Meritocracy, equal opportunity.
- The tie that binds: While not identical, this idiom shares the concept of a connection (the tie) creating a strong social bond. The "old school tie" is a specific, literal and figurative example of such a bond.
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necktie indicating the school the wearer attended
