Higher-up (noun)

A person in a higher position of authority or rank within an organization.

Origin:

Formed from the words 'higher' and 'up' which both have separate meanings.

Examples:

1. The workers were afraid to speak up because they didn't want to anger the higher-ups.
2. She was hoping to impress the higher-ups with her presentation.
3. The higher-ups decided to move forward with the controversial project.
4. The higher-ups in the company were notorious for their cutthroat business practices.
5. He was promoted to a higher-up position after years of hard work and dedication.