Definition

Noun: A person who always agrees with and obeys a superior, especially in order to gain favor, without offering independent opinions or criticism. This term carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of integrity or personal conviction.

Usage

The term "yes-man" is used to describe someone in a subordinate position who habitually and uncritically agrees with a superior. It is a critical label, often used in workplace, political, or organizational contexts to highlight sycophantic behavior.

Examples

• The new manager surrounded himself with yes-men, so he never heard any honest feedback about his failing strategy.
• She refused to be a yes-man and challenged the CEO's decision during the board meeting.
• A good leader values advisors who will argue, not just a team of yes-men.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a yes-man": This is the most common construction, describing the state or role of being unquestioningly obedient.
  • He was accused of being a yes-man to the party leadership.
• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before a noun.
  • The company's yes-man culture stifled all innovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Yes-woman (n): The female-gendered form of "yes-man," used with the same meaning.
  • She was criticized as being the director's chief yes-woman.
• Sycophant (n): A more formal synonym for a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• Toady (n): An informal synonym for a person who behaves flatteringly toward someone powerful.

Synonyms

• Sycophant
• Toady
• Flatterer
• Lackey
• Patsy (informal, implies being easily manipulated)

Antonyms

• Dissenter
• Contrarian
• Maverick
• Independent thinker

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "To play the yes-man": To act in the role of an obedient flatterer.
  • If you keep playing the yes-man, you'll never earn real respect.
• "A culture of yes-men": Describes an environment where sycophancy is the norm.
  • The scandal revealed a culture of yes-men at the highest levels of government.

Noun

1. a person of unquestioning obedience