The politician rarely speaks directly to the great unwashed.
great unwashed
idiomThe general populace, particularly the working class.
Origin
first recorded 19th c.Though attributed by many to Edmund Burke, the first published use of the phrase was by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in a dedicatory epistle for 1830, Paul Clifford.
The wealthy owner built a private gate to avoid mixing with the great unwashed at the public beach.
The aristocrat looked down from his balcony, seemingly convinced that his refined lifestyle was entirely separate from the concerns of the great unwashed.
- 01
a great deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 02
go great guns
To perform particularly well; to be particularly successful.
- 03
go to great lengths
To make a major effort; to be very careful when doing something, especially to an extreme or excessive degree.
- 04
great balls of fire
Expressing great surprise.
- 05
great beyond
the afterlife.
- 06
great deal
Large number, amount, or extent; profusion.
- 07
great job
well done; congratulations! (a praise for someone's efforts, possibly to a higher degree than good job!)
- 08
little strokes fell great oaks
Small but persistent efforts can lead to big results.