Yes man

Meaning

The idiom "yes man" refers to someone who always agrees with others, even if they don't necessarily believe what they are saying or if it goes against their personal values or beliefs. The term is often used negatively to describe someone who lacks integrity or independence of thought.

Usage

• John was known as the "yes man" at work because he always nodded along to his boss's ideas, even when he didn't think they were good ones.
• She was a "yes man" during her time at college, constantly going along with whatever her peers wanted to do without question.
• As the new employee on the team, Mike felt pressure to be a "yes man" and not challenge anyone else's ideas, but he found that speaking up led to better results.
• The city council was heavily criticized for being a group of "yes men," always voting in favor of developers' proposals without considering the impact on the community.
• Despite his reservations, James agreed to be a "yes man" and participate in the charity event, knowing it would help raise money for a good cause.

Roots and History

The term "yes man" has been used since at least the 17th century, with its earliest known use appearing in a collection of proverbs by John Heywood in 1546. The idiom comes from the idea of someone saying "yes" excessively or automatically without considering the consequences. Over time, the term has taken on a more negative connotation, suggesting someone who lacks the ability to think for themselves and is more concerned with pleasing others than standing up for their own beliefs.

Synonyms in English

• Yes-man
• Good soldier
• Puppet
• Toy soldier
• Rubber chicken

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: pupilla (puppet)
• French: marionette (puppet)
• Italian: giocattolo (toy)
• German: Puppenspieler (puppeteer)
• Japanese: とさぼい (doll)

Similar Idioms

• your call

• you are what you eat

• year dot