palace revolution

American  

noun

1. a challenge to or overthrow of a sovereign or other leader by members of the ruling family or group.

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palace revolution British  

noun

1. a coup d'état made by those already in positions of power, usually with little violence

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Etymology

Origin of palace revolution

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

“I think the time is right for a palace revolution/ but where I live the game to play is compromise solution,” shouts Jagger in the song’s second verse.

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2016

He was forced to resign under pressure of a palace revolution led by a majority of his own board of directors.

From Time Magazine Archive

When he had turned 71 and still was not ready to relinquish command, impatient subordinates staged a palace revolution and kicked him upstairs to be chairman of the board.

From Time Magazine Archive

The groom himself had to put up with a little good-natured palace revolution.

From Time Magazine Archive

He arranged to be temporarily absent from his post at the time of the palace revolution by which Catherine II. was placed on the throne.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various