Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

only nixon could go to china

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.87 in modern English

Syllables: on-ly nixon -could -go -to chi-na
IPA

42

Scrabble Score

23

Letters

6

Syllables

13

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

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.

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.

Inflected Forms

only Nixon can go to China (alternative) it took Nixon to go to China (alternative)

Phrases

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

Frequently Paired Words

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

Questions

What does only nixon could go to china mean?: 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.
Where does only nixon could go to china come from?: 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.

How to pronounce only nixon could go to china

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