Definition
The person who stimulates or inspires a group; the major factor affecting a trend or set of developments.
Origins
Possibly originating in 1977 with a widely-reported self-descriptive remark by baseball player Reggie Jackson.
In Context
- "Reggie Jackson . . . apparently presumed his charisma would assume command of the clubhouse. . . . " I'm the straw that stirs the drink," Reggie Jackson is quoted by Robert Ward in Sport magazine. "It all comes back to me.""
- ""We have priced in 4 percent growth in the fourth quarter . . . ," said Alan Levenson, money market economist at UBS Securities. "Growth is the straw that stirs the drink.""
- "[T]ake a bow, pop culture enthusiasts. You are now the straws that stir the drink. Geeks rule!"
- "[H]e's still the straw that stirs the drink. Ecclestone alone makes the big TV, sponsorship and track deals that keep F1's cash gushing."
Also Said As
- catalyst
- instigator
- mover and shaker
- stimulus