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.

Alternative form of all dressed up and nowhere to go

Alternative form of all dressed up and nowhere to go

(idiomatic) Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

Alternative form of all dressed up and nowhere to go

Exploit and enjoy the opportunities and pleasures available here and now and do not invest effort pursuing prospective future gratifications.

Alternative form of take one's ball and go home

Alternative form of only Nixon could go to China

(UK, Northern dialect) Expressing astonishment.

To be unclear about what one is doing; to be bewildered.