Zhao's move was interpreted by Party elders as an unmistakable sign of parting company with the aging paramount leader, his long-time political patron and mentor.

Many Chinese immediately understand that Zhao is blaming his long-time patron for the stalemate over the students.

Of course, name switching carries plenty of practical costs - new signs and stationery, to begin with - and the risk of leaving some long-time patrons at least momentarily befuddled.

Now, he is promoting the Khmer Rouge army more than its long-time patron, China.

They were by way of being prizes, something to be doled out to long-time patrons of the hotel.

Yet the model trains racing around the rafters of Tumulty's Pub are no surprise to long-time patrons.

For this bit of clownishness, Rapiermaster Garot, my long-time patron and personal friend, knocked me backward over the bricks of the dormitory court.

It closed in 1999, to the dismay of local long-time patrons who frequented it as a gathering place.

The Mystery and Controversy Surrounding the Fire at the Haunted Castle was produced in 2003 by Peter James Smith, a long-time patron of the Haunted Castle.

Cortona, a fellow Tuscan, designed the villa for his long-time patron.