top brass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes journalistic
Quick answer
What does “top brass” mean?
The most senior and high-ranking officials in an organization, especially in the military.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The most senior and high-ranking officials in an organization, especially in the military.
Senior executives or leaders in any hierarchical organization, such as a corporation, government department, or institution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use the term. Possibly more frequent in UK military contexts historically.
Connotations
Slightly brusque, informal. Can imply a degree of distance or cynicism towards remote leadership.
Frequency
Common in both varieties; a well-established idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “top brass” in a Sentence
[Verb +] the top brass[Adjective +] top brassVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The decision will be made by the top brass in New York."
Academic
Rare, except in historical or organizational studies discussing leadership structures.
Everyday
"All the top brass from head office are visiting today."
Technical
Used in military science, business management, and journalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “top brass”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “top brass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “top brass”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a top brass' – incorrect).
- Using it for a single person (e.g., 'He is the top brass' – awkward; use 'top brass' for the group).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a collective plural noun. You refer to 'the top brass' as 'they'.
Yes, but it is mildly humorous or ironic when used for very small organizations, as it originates from large, hierarchical structures like the military.
It comes from the early 20th-century military slang, where 'brass' referred to the gold braid and insignia worn by high-ranking officers.
It is informal, though common in business and journalistic contexts. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'senior executives' or 'high command' are preferable.
The most senior and high-ranking officials in an organization, especially in the military.
Top brass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒp ˈbrɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːp ˈbræs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “brassed off (unrelated but phonetically similar)”
- “rise through the ranks”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of shiny brass buttons and insignia on a general's uniform – they signify the 'top' people.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS UP / ORGANIZATION IS A MILITARY STRUCTURE. Leaders are at the 'top'; their authority is symbolized by 'brass' (metal of rank).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'top brass' primarily refer to?