Synonyms

shadow cabinet

American

noun

(in the British Parliament) a group of prominent members of the opposition who are expected to hold positions in the cabinet when their party assumes power.

Etymology

Origin of shadow cabinet

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As the party with the largest number of MPs behind Labour, the Conservatives are the official opposition with a shadow cabinet mirroring government ministers.

From BBC

It is unclear if Taylor's allies in Ley's shadow cabinet will follow with resignations of their own.

From BBC

The Liberal Party leader said both parties had patched up with an agreement that neither party could overturn decisions taken by the coalition's joint "shadow cabinet" of senior lawmakers.

From Barron's

On the same programme, Conservative shadow cabinet member Stuart Andrew also called the comments "disgraceful" and "appalling".

From BBC

The Nationals ultimately refused to follow the shadow cabinet decision on the laws.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023