the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > intercession or influence on someone's behalf > [noun] > one who > in high places (2)
a person in a position to use his or her influence on one's behalf, originally at court and now (more generally) among those in authority.
(usually in plural) a person in a position of power or authority who is willing and able to use his or her influence on one's behalf; cf. friend in…