Yes-man: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Yes-man noun. A person who always agrees with their boss, whatever they really think.
How to say it
YES-man/ˈjɛsman/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (YES). Forms: yes-men.
Yes-man in a sentence
Surrounded by yes-men, the chief executive never heard that the launch was a disaster.
I don’t want a yes-man as my deputy; I want someone who’ll tell me I’m wrong.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- sycophant
- flatterer
- toady
- lackey
Where yes-man comes from
American, from the early 20th century.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
I don’t want a _____ as my deputy; I want someone who’ll tell me I’m wrong.
- sabbatical
- yes-man
- journeyman
Show the answer
yes-man: I don’t want a yes-man as my deputy; I want someone who’ll tell me I’m wrong.