the old guard
noun/ði ˌəʊld ˈɡɑːd/
/ði ˌəʊld ˈɡɑːrd/
[singular + singular or plural verb]- the original members of a group or an organization, who are often against change
- Some of the old guard were resentful that a newcomer had been appointed to the post.
- The old guard was/were starting to lose its/their grip on power.
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the old guard