There is, to be sure, an important second circle of advisers that constantly participates in key decisions involving their areas.

Businessmen figure prominently among a circle of advisers called "the palace ring."

It makes policy failures more likely by narrowing the circle of advisers.

"Some directors feel left out of his circle of advisers and consultants."

Almost no one outside the small circle of Presidential advisers accepts that view.

A member of his circle of advisers said he was "in bad shape."

He looked at the close circle of advisers around him.

But in Johnson's inner circle of advisers, there were fewer defections.

The circle of advisers in this debate is wide, and the alliances among them are not always well defined.

Within the inner circle of advisers, there appear to be few ideological splits.