pencil pusher

Meaning: An office worker; a bureaucrat who routinely does his or her paperwork job without any desire to advance.

Example: “The inspector turned out to be a pencil pusher who never leaves his desk.”

Origin: The expression is derogatory. It is often used to describe someone who ought to be more ambitious.

More English idioms

play second fiddle To be in a subordinate position; to have a lower rank or standing than someone else.
pop the question To ask someone to get married.
pound of flesh A (figuratively) painful payment of a debt.
pull oneself up by one's bootstraps To improve oneself (usually economically) without help from others.
pull rank To take advantage of one's superior position (one's rank).
pull something off To accomplish something that had appeared difficult to finish or achieve.

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