the power behind the throne

Meaning

1. the (real) power behind the throne

   the person who really controls an organization, a country, etc. in contrast to the person who is legally in charge

In the movies · 2

• the power behind the throne, so to speak.O Brother, Where Art Thou?2000
• He's being described as the power behind the throne, and has had a hand in nearly everything in the Kingdom.The Dissident2020

From the same entry

• do a power of good
• more power to elbow
• the powers that be
• the corridors of power
• sweep to power
• power down
• power up