верхи не могут, низы не хотят

Russian

Etymology

Literally, “the upper classes should be unable [to rule and govern in the old way], the lower classes should not want [to live in the old way]”. From the principle outlined in the work “May Day Action by the Revolutionary Proletariat}}. (1913) by Vladimir Ulyanov-Lenin.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [vʲɪrˈxʲi nʲɪ‿ˈmoɡʊt | nʲɪˈzɨ nʲɪ‿xɐˈtʲat]

Phrase

верхи́ не мо́гут, низы́ не хотя́т • (verxí ne mógut, nizý ne xotját)

1. revolutionary situation