English Explanatory Dictionary

only Nixon could go to China

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. Only a politician or leader with an impeccable reputation of upholding particular political values could perform an action in seeming defiance of them without jeopardizing his support or credibility.

Word forms

only Nixon could go to China only Nixon can go to China it took Nixon to go to China

Etymology

A reference to U.S. President Richard Nixon's 1972 establishment of direct diplomatic relations with, and personal visit to, the People's Republic of China. Nixon's unyielding opposition to Communism had been well-known.

Related words

Nixon in China Nixon to China Nixon goes to China it took Nixon to go to China
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