How do you use "The brass" in a sentence?

The brass are coming to inspect the barracks. Better look sharp—the brass will be here soon. What does the brass think about this operation?

The brass

Q: What does "The brass" mean?

High-ranking military officers Collective term for senior military officers, especially generals and admirals. Refers to the brass insignia and buttons on their uniforms that indicate high rank.

Slang Term BritishAmerican ★★★★☆ Common Casual

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Meaning: High-ranking military officers

高级军官

Altos mandos militares

高位の軍人、幹部

돈 (영국 북부 방언)

Collective term for senior military officers, especially generals and admirals. Refers to the brass insignia and buttons on their uniforms that indicate high rank.

高级军官的统称，尤指将军和海军上将。源自制服上表示高级军衔的黄铜徽章和纽扣。

Término colectivo para oficiales militares de alto rango, especialmente generales y almirantes. Se refiere a las insignias y botones de latón en sus uniformes que indican alto rango.

上級軍人、特に将軍や提督を指す集合的な用語。高い階級を示す制服の真鍮の徽章やボタンに由来する。

돈을 뜻하는 영국 북부 속어. 동전이 황동(brass)으로 만들어지던 시절에서 유래했다. 특히 요크셔와 랭커셔 지방 사투리와 연관된다.

Examples

The brass are coming to inspect the barracks.
上面的人要来视察兵营了
Los altos mandos vienen a inspeccionar los cuarteles
幹部が兵舎の視察に来る
높으신 분들이 막사 점검하러 온다.
Better look sharp—the brass will be here soon.
精神点，长官们马上就到
Mejor que estéis presentables, los jefazos llegan pronto
しっかりしろ、幹部がすぐ来るぞ
단정히 해라, 높으신 분들이 곧 오신다.
What does the brass think about this operation?
上面的人对这次行动怎么看？
¿Qué piensan los altos mandos de esta operación?
幹部はこの作戦をどう思っている？
높으신 분들은 이 작전에 대해 어떻게 생각하시지?

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: military, informal

Tone: informal, sometimes irreverent

✓ Do Say

The brass wants this done
上面的人要求完成这件事
Los altos mandos quieren que se haga esto
幹部がこれを片付けろと言っている
윗선에서 이걸 처리하래
Orders from the brass
上面下达的命令
Órdenes de los altos mandos
幹部からの命令
윗선의 명령이야

✗ Don't Say

Too informal when speaking to senior officers
对高级军官说话时太不正式
Demasiado informal cuando se habla con oficiales superiores
上級将校に直接話すときにはくだけすぎ
상급 장교에게 직접 말할 때는 너무 격식 없는 표현

Common Mistakes

Using when addressing brass directly

Origin & History

From the brass buttons, badges, and insignia worn by senior officers. The more brass on your uniform, the higher your rank. Term originated in the 19th century military.

Etymology: From brass insignia on officers' uniforms

First recorded: 19th century

Cultural Context

Era: 19th century onwards

Generation: All generations

Social background: Military

Pop culture: War films; Military dramas

Regional notes: British and American military.

Variations

The brassTop brassBrass hats