man on horseback

noun

1. a military leader who presents himself as the savior of the country during a period of crisis and either assumes or threatens to assume dictatorial powers.
2. any dictator.

Example Sentences

I do not believe in the one-man-on-horseback idea, because I believe in all the people being on horseback.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• autocrat
• despot
• tyrant