Brain trust
n.capable, thoughtfulprofessional
What it means
A group of respected experts assembled to advise or solve difficult problems.
Reach for it when naming a concentrated source of expert judgment
The charity formed a brain trust to redesign rural emergency transport.
Choose between these
6- playful
inner circle
a small trusted group close to decision-makers is meant
not when Inner circle implies access and loyalty rather than expertise.
- professional
advisory group
the formal role is to offer guidance
not when An advisory group may represent stakeholders rather than technical expertise.
- professional
expert panel
specialists review evidence or answer a defined question
not when A panel may meet once and need not develop solutions together.
- professional
think tank
organized research and policy development define the body
not when A think tank is usually a continuing institution, not a temporary panel.
- formal
brains trust
British usage is appropriate for the audience
not when Brains trust is region-specific and may look like an error to American readers.
- formal
council of experts
authority and specialist membership need explicit wording
not when The phrase can sound grander and more official than the group is.
Said against
3- uninformed group
- rubber stamp
- echo chamber
It naturally appears in
3- form a brain trust
The mayors will form a brain trust on flood adaptation.
- informal brain trust
An informal brain trust of mechanics improved the maintenance plan.
- scientific brain trust
The scientific brain trust published its assumptions with the recommendation.