éminence grise
/eɪmiːˈnɒŋsˈgriːz/noun
(pl. éminences grises. 读音同)
- a person who exercises power or influence in a certain sphere without holding an official position幕后掌权（或操纵）者。
词源
1930s: French, literally 'grey eminence'. The term was originally applied to Cardinal Richelieu's grey-cloaked private secretary, Père Joseph （1577-1638）.