女にょう房ぼう役やく

noun

right-hand man; trusted assistant; second-in-command

Refers to a person who supports a leader or manager from a close, behind-the-scenes position, like a chief of staff or deputy. The literal meaning is 'wife role', but it is used for both men and women in a professional context.

• 社しゃ長ちょうの女にょう房ぼう役やくとして、彼かれは会かい社しゃの実じつ務むを支ささえている。

  As the president's right-hand man, he supports the company's practical operations.

• 彼かの女じょは部ぶ長ちょうの女にょう房ぼう役やくを務つとめ、スケジュール管かん理りから交こう渉しょうまでこなす。

  She serves as the department head's trusted assistant, handling everything from scheduling to negotiations.