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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Back-stair Influence

Private or unrecognised influence. It was customary to build royal palaces with a staircase for state visitors, and another for those who sought the sovereign upon private matters. If any one wanted a private interview with royalty, it was highly desirable to conciliate those appointed to guard the back stairs, as they could admit or exclude a visitor.

Once, we confess, beneath the patriot's cloak,
From the cracked bag the dropping guineas broke,
And, jingling down the back stairs, told the crew
Old Cato is as great a rogue as you.

Pope: Epistle to Lord Bathurst, 35–8.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Backwardation
Back-speer
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More on Back-stair Influence from Infoplease:

  • Back-stair Influence - Back-stair Influence Private or unrecognised influence. It was customary to build royal palaces ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: B - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "B"

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