scorched-earth policy

• Estrategia militar que consiste en destruir todo lo que pueda ser útil al enemigo, como cultivos, edificios e infraestructura, al avanzar o retroceder. En un sentido más amplio, se refiere a un enfoque agresivo, despiadado o total en los negocios, la política o la competencia, que a menudo no deja nada de valor.

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.

   política de tierra arrasada

   • 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.

   política de tierra quemada

   • 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.

   política de tierra arrasada

   • 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.