What does “Yes-man” mean?
"Yes-man" means a person who always agrees with and obeys someone in a position of power.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's just a yes-man who never questions the boss's decisions.
Example
The CEO surrounded himself with yes-men who never challenged his ideas.
Example
She was tired of being seen as a yes-woman and decided to speak up for herself
Is “Yes-man” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Yes-man” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Yes-man” effectively in context?
You can use "Yes-man" to describe someone who always agrees with and obeys someone in a position of power, without questioning or offering their own opinions. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person lacks independent thinking or integrity. For example, if a colleague always agrees with the boss without considering alternative viewpoints, you might say, 'He's just a yes-man who never questions the boss's decisions.'
- 1Work
The CEO surrounded himself with yes-men who never challenged his ideas.
- 2Assertiveness
She was tired of being seen as a yes-woman and decided to speak up for herself.
- 3Power Dynamics
He became the manager's favorite by being a yes-man and agreeing with everything she said.
Similar phrases to “Yes-man”:
Suck-up
A person who flatters or ingratiates themselves to gain favor or approval
Example
He's always complimenting the boss, trying to be a suck-up.
Brown-noser
A person who seeks favor or approval from someone in authority through flattery or servile behavior
Example
She's such a brown-noser, always bringing gifts to the boss.
A person who obediently follows and supports someone in a position of power
Example
He's the CEO's lapdog, always doing whatever the CEO asks.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Yes-man” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Yes-man" is unknown.
Is “Yes-man” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Yes-man" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize or describe individuals who blindly follow authority figures without question.
What tone does “Yes-man” have?
"Yes-man" conveys a negative tone, suggesting a lack of independent thinking or integrity. It is typically used to criticize someone's behavior or character.
Can “Yes-man” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Yes-man" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations to describe someone who unquestioningly agrees with those in power. In formal settings, it may be used to discuss power dynamics or organizational culture.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's just a yes-man who never questions the boss's decisions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be a yes-man!' to discourage blind agreement.
