Clearly he expected some abasement, some recognition of this breach in their accustomed roles.
The Russians who stay in the republics are also potential trouble as they resist losing the accustomed role of Big Brother.
But the cardinal found a way, nonetheless, to play his accustomed role on one of the holiest nights of the Christian calendar.
Two dancers stood out in accustomed roles.
The accustomed role of public officials is to give at least the appearance of listening.
He had been in his accustomed role, dispensing information to people who lacked it.
He had come out of his brooding shell and was taking charge, slipping back into his accustomed role.
Mr. Buckley took some of the barbs himself, in his accustomed role as a symbol of American conservatism.
But Finance, above all, plunged into its accustomed role with a quiet eagerness.
The remaining three battalions were formed into 61st Infantry Brigade, but continued their accustomed role of co-operating with armour when conditions allowed.