good tsar, bad boyars

English

Etymology

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.

Phrase

good tsar, bad boyars

  1. (historical, Russian politics) an ideology that attributes good outcomes to the tsar, and bad outcomes to his inferior ministers (boyars).
    Synonym: naïve monarchism
  2. (figurative) used to criticize situations in which high-ranking authorities disclaim responsibility for their policies and activities

Translations

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