yes-man
/'jesmæn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a person of unquestioning obedience