"There's an old joke on Wall Street that: Do you know what's an illegal way to trade? And someone said "no, what"? It's say whatever way made the most money"

meaning of Top brass

The term **top brass** refers to individuals holding the highest positions of authority within an organization, particularly in military contexts but also applicable to business and other sectors. ## Origin and Usage - **Military Roots**: The phrase originated as military slang, where "brass" denoted high-ranking officers. This usage dates back to at least the 19th century, with references to "top brass" appearing in parliamentary debates and military discussions[1][2]. - **Broader Application**: Over time, the term has expanded beyond military usage to describe senior executives and leaders in various fields, including business and government[3][4]. ## Definition - **In Organizations**: "Top brass" typically includes the most senior executives or officials who make key decisions. For instance, in a corporate setting, it would refer to CEOs, presidents, and other high-ranking managers[5][6]. - **Informal Context**: The term is often used informally, emphasizing the authority and influence of these individuals within their respective organizations[7]. In summary, "top brass" signifies the leaders at the highest level of an organization, particularly those who wield significant power and responsibility. Citations: [1]

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Give someone enough rope, and they will hang themselves is a proverb or idiomatic expression meaning that given the opportunity, people will incriminate themselves.