the usual suspects
noun
: the usual people or things that are suspected or thought of in a particular situation
—often used humorously
The breakfast menu had all the usual suspects—eggs, pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
Examples of the usual suspects in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
George Eliot, the Brontë sisters, Dickens, the usual suspects, and, of course, George Orwell.
—
Amy Sutherland,
BostonGlobe.com,
2 Mar. 2023
Naturally, Vanguard’s decision caused outrage from many of the usual suspects.
—
Andrew Stuttaford,
National Review,
25 Feb. 2023
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Amy Sutherland,
BostonGlobe.com,
2 Mar. 2023
Naturally, Vanguard’s decision caused outrage from many of the usual suspects.
—
Andrew Stuttaford,
National Review,
25 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“The usual suspects.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20usual%20suspects. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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