praetorian guard

• Относится к элитному подразделению телохранителей римских императоров или, в переносном смысле, к группе преданных, привилегированных защитников или сторонников влиятельного лица или учреждения.

Refers to the elite bodyguard unit of Roman emperors, or metaphorically to a group of loyal, privileged protectors or supporters of a powerful person or institution.

1. Elite Roman military unitC1formal

   A special unit of the Roman imperial army that served as personal bodyguards to the emperor.

   Элитное римское воинское подразделение

   • The Praetorian Guard protected the emperor from assassination attempts.
   • Members of the Praetorian Guard were highly trained and loyal soldiers.
   • The Praetorian Guard often wielded significant political influence in Rome.

2. Figurative: loyal inner circleC2formal

   A group of people who are fiercely loyal to a powerful leader or organization, often acting as protectors or enforcers.

   Преторианская гвардия (перен.)

   • The CEO's praetorian guard of advisors shielded him from bad news.
   • The dictator relied on his praetorian guard to maintain control.
   • In the company, the praetorian guard consisted of long-time executives.