Used when someone controls a situation secretly, without being the official leader.

Hidden Power

Implies a power imbalance, where one person has influence over others without making it obvious.

Power Dynamic

Suggests secret or hidden influence, gaining interest in who is actually in charge.

Highlights using personal networks to achieve something not necessarily through merit.

Emphasizes the advantage of having connections; implies relationships count more than skills.

Points to the act of influencing or directing things invisibly, like a hidden puppeteer.

Suggests control is exerted in a way that's not seen by others, subtly altering outcomes.