cannon fodder

• Abwertender Begriff für Soldaten, die als im Kampf entbehrliches Material gelten, oder allgemeiner für Menschen, die in einem Konflikt oder in einer schwierigen Lage als bloß einmalig verwendbare Ressource betrachtet werden.

A derogatory term referring to soldiers regarded as expendable in battle, or more broadly, people treated as disposable resources in a conflict or difficult situation.

1. Expendable soldiersC1formal

   Soldiers considered by military commanders as expendable and likely to be killed in battle, often used to describe those sent into dangerous situations with little regard for their survival.

   Kanonenfutter

   • The young recruits were treated as mere cannon fodder in the war.
   • The general's strategy relied on using infantry as cannon fodder.
   • History is full of examples of soldiers being used as cannon fodder.

2. Expendable people or resourcesC1informal

   People or things considered unimportant and easily replaceable, often used in a metaphorical sense.

   Kanonenfutter

   • In the corporate world, junior employees are often seen as cannon fodder for layoffs.
   • The interns felt like cannon fodder, given all the tedious tasks.
   • The team used the new players as cannon fodder in the practice match.