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mover

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movers and shakers

people who get things done; organizers and managers. The movers and shakers in this firm haven't exactly been working overtime. Who are the movers and shakers around here?

See also: and, mover, shaker

prime mover

Fig. the force that sets something going; someone or something that starts something off. The assistant manager was the prime mover in getting the manager sacked. Discontent with his job was the prime mover in John's deciding to retire early.

See also: mover, prime

the movers and shakers

people who have a lot of power and influence This play has attracted the attention of the Broadway movers and shakers.

See also: and, mover, shaker

a prime mover

someone who has a lot of influence in starting something important He was a prime mover in developing a new style of customer-friendly bookshops in the UK.

See also: mover, prime

mover and shaker

A person who wields power and influence in a particular activity or field, as in He's one of the movers and shakers in the art world. At first the two nouns referred specifically to God, alluding to the belief that a divine force was responsible for all events. The current usage refers only to human beings. [Second half of 1800s]

See also: and, mover, shaker

prime mover

The initial source of energy directed toward a goal, someone or something that sets others in motion. For example, Jean was the prime mover in getting us more laboratory space, or Patriotism was the prime mover of the revolution. [Late 1600s]

See also: mover, prime

movers and shakers

n. people who get things done; organizers and managers. The movers and shakers in this firm haven’t exactly been working overtime.

See also: and, mover, shaker