Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

armchair-general

noun

ˈɑːrmˌtʃɛr ˈdʒɛn(ə)rəl

Definition

A person who gives advice or opinions about military strategy without having any practical experience in the field.

Examples

Despite being an armchair general, he often debated military strategy with his friends.
Many armchair generals criticize the decisions made by actual military leaders without understanding the full context.
He enjoys playing strategy games and considers himself an armchair-general in that realm.

Meaning

The term suggests a superficial or theoretical understanding of complex military operations, often used to describe someone who critiques or instructs from a distance, rather than through firsthand involvement.