War

A “honeymoon period” is a period of popularity enjoyed by a new leader.

Usually, the term refers to an incoming president but it can refer …

“Guns before butter” refers to the debate over how governments should use their revenue: should resources be used to build up the military, or should …

A “grand design” refers to any kind of deliberate plan of action. In politics, the term is usually used to mean an overarching strategy or …

A “hatchet man” is an operative in charge of doing political dirty work — or dirty tricks — both during a campaign and sometimes as …

The practice of backing up diplomatic efforts with a visible show of military might.

A nation using gunboat diplomacy is making use of implicit military …

“Don’t change horses” is a phrase used to urge voters to stick with the incumbent president during times of turmoil and conflict.

The full expression …

“Bird-dogging” is a term that originates from hunting, where a bird dog is trained to sniff out and point towards game birds, but in politics …

“Third-rate burglary” is a phrase which President Richard Nixon’s press secretary used to describe the Watergate break-in.

In June 1972, five men were arrested while …

The phrase “heartbeat away from the presidency” refers to the fact that the vice president will automatically succeed the presidency in the case of the …

“I am the law” is a phrase attributed to Frank Hague, the mayor of Jersey City from 1917 until he retired in 1947.

He is …

“Dyed in the wool” is a phrase referring to people who hold very strong opinions and are unwilling to change them.

Synonyms include “uncompromising” and …

The grassroots are the ordinary people in a region, or in a political party.

The “grassroots” level is the opposite of the leadership level. In …

“John Q. Public” is a generic name used in the United States to denote a typical member of the general public or an average citizen.…

The “Final Solution” was a euphemistic name used by Nazi leaders for their plan to exterminate all of the Jews in Europe.

The plan’s full …

A “boodle” refers to a large sum of bribe money or graft money.

Boodle can also be used to mean a large collection of something. …

In politics, a “fat cat” is a rich and influential person, usually one who donates generously to political campaigns. 

The expression suggests that the person …

In politics, gridlock is a situation in which the government is unable to pass new legislation, often because the presidency and the Congress are controlled …

In politics, “slow-walk” is a term used to describe an effort to prevent legislation or a political process from moving forward by intentionally slowing it …

The term “Speaker Emerita” is a title bestowed on a former Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States who has left the …

The Fair Deal was a package of economic and social reforms put forward by President Harry Truman, with the stated purpose of giving all Americans …

In politics, a “big tent” refers to an inclusive party which encourages a wide swathe of people to become members.

The opposite of “big tent” …

The “political graveyard” refers to the careers of politicians who have experienced a significant decline of their political influence and electoral viability.

This can be …

To be “on the fence” is to be hesitant about taking a political stance.

Someone who is “on the fence” resists joining one side or …

The “can’t win technique” is a campaign strategy used during the primary season.

Typically, it means telling delegates and voters that your rival can’t possibly …

“Peace through strength” is the accumulation of military power and security assets by a country to encourage an amenable diplomatic atmosphere with other countries.

Origin

A “three martini lunch” is a long, leisurely lunch, usually associated with either business or backroom political dealings.

The three martini lunch had its heyday …

A “one-house bill” is a bill introduced by a lawmaker for the purpose of grandstanding or to demonstrate their effort to fulfill political promises without …

Karl Marx famously declared that religion is the opiate of the people.

There are a few conflicting translations of the quote, so that sometimes religion …

A “Mission Accomplished moment” has come to mean any grandiose declaration of success by a politician or political leader which later proves false.

It’s an …

A balanced ticket is a paring of political party candidates designed to appeal to a broad swathe of the electorate. A balanced ticket normally includes …

“Chicken in every pot” was Republican campaign slogan of the late 1920s.

The slogan is often incorrectly attributed to Herbert Hoover; it became a means …

A “captive candidate” is one who is allegedly “owned” by special interests or political groups. Calling someone a “captive candidate” is similar to saying that …

“Every Man a King” is the title of a speech delivered in 1934 by Senator Huey Long of Louisiana.

The speech, which Long delivered on …

The “great debates” were a series of public debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A, Douglas.

In 1858, Douglas, an Illinois Democrat, was running for …

“Give ’em hell Harry” is a reference to President Harry Truman’s 1948 re-election campaign. It’s also the name of a very successful play and movie.…

The “Era of Good Feeling” refers to a period in U.S. history from about 1815 until about 1825, characterized by a sense of optimism and …

The phrase “fuck around and find out” conveys a challenge or warning.

It’s often directed towards a political opponent, indicating that certain actions …

“Five o’clock follies” is a familiar and derogatory nickname for the daily press briefings that the U.S. military held for American reporters during the Vietnam …

A sit-in is a form of peaceful protest that involves sitting down and occupying space, often preventing access to a business or public space.

Sit-ins …

A whistleblower refers to an individual who exposes illicit activities, misconduct, or unethical practices occurring within a political entity, government institution, or related organizations.

Whistleblowers …