Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
phrase
an ideology that attributes good outcomes to the tsar, and bad outcomes to his inferior ministers (boyars).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Russian, historical
Topics: government, politics
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: naïve monarchism
Antonyms: none provided
phrase
used to criticize situations in which high-ranking authorities disclaim responsibility for their policies and activities
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Compare if only the tsar knew, German wenn das der Führer wüsste. Suggests that, if only the tsar were aware of the injustices of his bad boyars, he would immediately rectify the problems.
Across languages
3 source translations are retained for this English entry.
