Vocab Bloom Hub

scorched-earth policy

/skɔːrtʃt ɜːrθ pəˈlɪsi/

1 entry

phrase

/skɔːrtʃt ɜːrθ pəˈlɪsi/C1formalpolitical
  • ruВоенная стратегия уничтожения всего, что может быть полезно противнику, такого как посевы, здания и инфраструктура, при наступлении или отступлении. В более широком контексте это относится к агрессивному, безжалостному или тотальному подходу в бизнесе, политике или конкуренции, часто не оставляющему ничего ценного.

A military strategy of destroying everything that might be useful to the enemy, such as crops, buildings, and infrastructure, while advancing or retreating. In a broader context, it refers to an aggressive, ruthless, or all-out approach in business, politics, or competition, often leaving nothing of value behind.

  1. C1formal

    A military strategy of destroying everything that might be useful to the enemy, such as crops, buildings, and infrastructure, during a retreat.

    ruВыжженная земля

    • The retreating army implemented a scorched-earth policy, burning all the fields.
    • The general ordered a scorched-earth policy to slow the enemy's advance.
    • Historical accounts describe the devastating effects of the scorched-earth policy.
  2. Aggressive business tacticC1formal

    A business strategy where a company aggressively destroys its own assets or market position to prevent a competitor from benefiting, often as a last resort.

    ruАгрессивная тактика

    • The company adopted a scorched-earth policy, selling off its patents to avoid a hostile takeover.
    • Their scorched-earth policy involved slashing prices to drive competitors out of the market.
    • Critics argue that the scorched-earth policy harms the industry as a whole.
  3. Ruthless approachC2informal

    Any extremely aggressive and destructive approach used to achieve a goal, often at great cost.

    ruВыжженная земля

    • The politician used a scorched-earth policy in the debate, attacking everyone.
    • His scorched-earth policy in negotiations left no room for compromise.
    • The team's scorched-earth policy of firing all senior staff backfired.