| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Back-stair Influence. | | |
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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. | 1 |
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| “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.’” | |
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Pope: Epistle to Lord Bathurst, 35–8. |
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