Idioms

jobs for the boys

This page is about the idiom jobs for the boys

British English

Meaning

If you say "jobs for the boys" you're referring to the fact that people in positions of power sometimes use their power to give jobs to their friends or family members.

For example

  • Henry deserved the position, but it was a case of jobs for the boys, as usual, and one of the boss's old school friends got it instead of Henry.

  • The new government has promised to stop the old system of jobs for the boys when it comes to appointing departmental heads.

Variety

This idiom is typically used in British English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

The president knows everyone is watching out for any sign of jobs for the boys, so there won't be any positions in the government for

a. his old friends

b. immature men

c. the best people
a) his old friends b) immature men c) the best people

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey