underboss
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An assistant or second-in-command to a chief, especially in a crime syndicate: An "underboss" is a high-ranking subordinate who reports directly to the boss of a criminal organization, such as the Mafia, and is responsible for overseeing operations and enforcing orders.
Usage
- The term "underboss" is used specifically within the context of organized crime hierarchies. It denotes a formal position of authority, second only to the boss. It is not typically used in general business or other organizational contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- The FBI arrested the family's underboss on charges of racketeering.
- As the underboss, his primary duty was to relay the boss's commands to the capos.
- The power struggle began when the old underboss was murdered.
Advanced Usage
- "Rise to underboss": to be promoted to the position of underboss.
- After years of loyal service, he rose to underboss.
- "Acting underboss": a person temporarily performing the duties of the underboss.
- While the underboss was in prison, his nephew served as the acting underboss.
Variants and Related Words
- Underbosses (n): The plural form of underboss.
- Several underbosses from different cities attended the meeting.
- Sub-boss (n): A less common synonym for underboss.
- Second-in-command (n): A general term for the person ranked directly below the leader, applicable in various contexts including the military, business, and crime.
Synonyms
- Deputy: A person appointed as a substitute with power to act.
- Lieutenant: A person who acts for a superior; a deputy or second-in-command.
- Right-hand man: A key assistant or principal aide.
Related Phrases
- Number two: (Informal idiom) The second most important person in an organization.
- He was the boss's number two for over a decade.
- Next in line: The person who is expected to succeed to a position of leadership.
- The underboss was next in line to become the boss.
Noun
- an assistant or second-in-command to a chief (especially in a crime syndicate)