Brain trust
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.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| professional |
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| formal |
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playful
inner circle
Fits when a small trusted group close to decision-makers is meant
Careful Inner circle implies access and loyalty rather than expertise.
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professional
advisory group
Fits when the formal role is to offer guidance
Careful An advisory group may represent stakeholders rather than technical expertise.
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professional
expert panel
Fits when specialists review evidence or answer a defined question
Careful A panel may meet once and need not develop solutions together.
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professional
think tank
Fits when organized research and policy development define the body
Careful A think tank is usually a continuing institution, not a temporary panel.
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formal
brains trust
Fits when British usage is appropriate for the audience
Careful Brains trust is region-specific and may look like an error to American readers.
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formal
council of experts
Fits when authority and specialist membership need explicit wording
Careful The phrase can sound grander and more official than the group is.
Opposites 3
- uninformed group
- rubber stamp
- echo chamber
Common phrases 3
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form a brain trust
The mayors will form a brain trust on flood adaptation.
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informal brain trust
An informal brain trust of mechanics improved the maintenance plan.
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scientific brain trust
The scientific brain trust published its assumptions with the recommendation.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated