(ちえぶくろ)

ちえぶくろ
noun
fountain of wisdom; trusted advisor
1. fountain of wisdom; trusted advisor; brain
A person who serves as a reliable source of wisdom and good advice, especially someone who advises a leader or organization behind the scenes.
(かれ)はチームの知恵袋(ちえぶくろ)だ。
He is the brain of the team.
(こま)ったときは祖母(そぼ)知恵袋(ちえぶくろ)になってくれる。
When I'm in trouble, my grandmother serves as my source of wisdom.
社長(しゃちょう)知恵袋(ちえぶくろ)として長年(ながねん)会社(かいしゃ)(ささ)えてきた。
He has supported the company for many years as the president's trusted advisor.

USAGE:
Literally "bag of wisdom." Used to describe someone whose knowledge and judgment are relied upon. In historical contexts, it often referred to the strategist or advisor behind a powerful leader. Also known as the name of Yahoo! Japan's Q&A service (Yahoo!知恵袋(ちえぶくろ)).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 知恵袋(ちえぶくろ)として活躍(かつやく)する (to play an active role as an advisor)
  • 知恵袋(ちえぶくろ)になる (to become an advisor)
  • チームの知恵袋(ちえぶくろ) (the team's brain)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 参謀(さんぼう): strategist, staff officer — more military/organizational
  • 相談役(そうだんやく): advisor, consultant — more formal title
  • ブレーン: brain (loanword) — used similarly for trusted advisors