inner circle
noun [ C ] uk/ˌɪn.ə ˈsɜː.kəl/ us/ˌɪn.ɚ ˈsɝː.kəl/
（组织、政党等的）核心集团
the small group of people who control an organization, political party, etc.
Dr Simpson was a member of the inner circle of government officials. 辛普森博士是政府官员核心集团的成员。
Compare: clique coterie