The phrase signifies a story or scenario the place the obvious chief or figurehead shouldn’t be the true supply of energy or affect. It evokes imagery of somebody secretly manipulating occasions from a hid place. The expression’s origin is usually attributed to the Wizard of Oz, the place the seemingly omnipotent wizard is revealed to be an everyday individual working equipment to create illusions.
Understanding this idea is essential for essential evaluation in varied contexts. It permits people to query surface-level narratives, analyze underlying energy constructions, and determine hidden motivations. Traditionally, the revealing of those hidden influences has typically led to important societal shifts and a re-evaluation of established norms.