Éminence grise
A few days ago, an article about recent Australian politics 🔗 opened stunningly uncharitably towards a Liberal Party politican named Paul Fletcher 🔗:
Paul Fletcher is not known for cracking the funnies.
More of an éminence grise, the Liberal frontbencher makes wallpaper seem lively.
Cambridge Dictionary defines “éminence grise” 🔗 as:
someone without an official position who has power or influence over rulers or people who make decisions
Although Merriam-Webster gives a kinder gloss 🔗:
a respected authority
I find it unlikely that the term was used in this kinder sense, given the context of making “wallpaper seem lively”.
I have no particular like or dislike for Paul Fletcher, but to me the accusation of being “without an official position” reads as a bizarre criticism of someone who is an elected reperesentative, has held numerous ministerial positions and is currently the Manager of Opposition Business 🔗.
If I really, really tried to be understanding, I could buy that the article’s author used “éminence grise” in the sense that Wikipedia defines 🔗:
a powerful decision-maker or adviser who operates “behind the scenes”, or in a non-public or unofficial capacity.
”Non-public” would be doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sense, as you would have to argue that Fletcher is “non-public” because he doesn’t do as many press conferences as, say, the leader of his party.