Vocab Bloom Hub

scorched-earth policy

/skɔːrtʃt ɜːrθ pəˈlɪsi/

Traduction: Stratégie militaire consistant à détruire tout ce qui pourrait être utile à l'ennemi, comme les récoltes, les bâtiments et les infrastructures, lors d'une avance ou d'une retraite. Dans un sens plus large, cela désigne une approche agressive, impitoyable ou totale dans les affaires, la politique ou la concurrence, ne laissant souvent rien de valeur.

1 entrée

phrase

/skɔːrtʃt ɜːrθ pəˈlɪsi/C1formalpolitical
  • frStratégie militaire consistant à détruire tout ce qui pourrait être utile à l'ennemi, comme les récoltes, les bâtiments et les infrastructures, lors d'une avance ou d'une retraite. Dans un sens plus large, cela désigne une approche agressive, impitoyable ou totale dans les affaires, la politique ou la concurrence, ne laissant souvent rien de valeur.

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.

    frpolitique de la terre brûlée

    • 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.

    frPolitique de la terre brûlée

    • 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.

    frpolitique de la terre brûlée

    • 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.