unholy alliance

Etymology: a play on the name, Holy Alliance, for a coalition of Russia, Austria, and Prussia in 1815

1. a coalition among seemingly antagonistic groups, especially if one is religious, for ad hoc or hidden gain
2. parody of same

Professor Yandle's descriptions of "Baptists and Bootleggers..." refers to a contrived and self-reinforcing antagonism that benefits both parties, one that is traditionally refered to, in Kentucky, as the Unholy Alliance.

4👍 4👎