court politics
Royal power games
Court politics refers to the rivalries, alliances, and maneuvering for influence that occur among people surrounding a powerful figure, originally a monarch but now any leader or authority.
The term evokes intrigue, favor-seeking, and behind-the-scenes manipulation rather than open democratic processes.
She had no patience for the court politics of the department and just wanted to do her job.
The phrase often carries negative connotations of pettiness, backstabbing, and prioritizing personal advancement over substance.
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- royal favorMonarch's special approval
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- factionalismDivision into opposing cliques
monarchy · machinations · poisoned chalice · aristocracy · etiquette · favoritism · backstabbing · diplomacy · conspiracy · regency · power brokers · inner circle · jockeying · rivalry · betrayal · power struggle · Versailles · flattery
- Renaissance Politicsstatecraft, royal authority, divine right, absolutism, sovereignty
- Imperial ChinaHan dynasty, emperor, dynasties, emperors, Three Kingdoms
- court intrigueintrigue, plots, schemes, plotting, conspiracy
- medieval favoritesroyal favorites, advisors, confidants, courtiers, nobles
- Ming DynastyForbidden City, Ming vases, treasure fleets, Beijing, Nanjing
- political intrigueintrigue, conspiracy, treason, plot, collusion
court politicsmilitary conflict
Armed hostilities between groups
civil war · revolution · street fighting · coup d'état · assassination
court politicsplain dealing
Honest, straightforward conduct
straight talk · direct action · transparency · open debate · candor
court politicsgrassroots politics
Civic action from below
mass mobilization · democratic participation · peasant revolt · populism · labor organizing