Quote Originally Posted by tohca
Quote Originally Posted by translations.nm.ru
"Хлеба и зрелищ" is a Russian translation of Latin "panem et circenses!" (Bread and circuses!)

This is an old Roman phrase that you most probably have heard about.
Yes, can't say I have, but what does it mean? And when do you use it, I mean in what situations? Do you still use that phrase "хлеба и зрелищ" much in Russia?
Nope, we don't use it in Russian a whole lot . Leof just used it as an example of why genetive case should be used instead of nominative. As to its meaning, it describes the way the Roman government used to appease poor Roman citizens. As long as Roman plebeians had their free food and entertainment, they were content and not likely to riot.