ruling behind a curtain; wielding power from behind the scenes
Meanings
1 sense · 5 examplesverb
to rule from behind a screen; to hold court from behind a curtain (by an empress or empress dowager)
archaicA historical term originating from Empress Wu Zetian's rule in the Tang Dynasty, where the empress sat behind a curtain to participate in or make state decisions. Now can be used metaphorically for someone wielding power from behind the scenes.
Wu Zetian was a famous ruler from behind the curtain in Chinese history.
In the late Qing dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi ruled from behind the curtain for a long time.
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Although he is the chairman, the real power of the company is wielded from behind the scenes by his wife.
Ruling from behind a curtain was a unique political phenomenon in ancient China.
Some commentators believe that there is a power behind the throne advising that president.