cannon fodder

• Уничижительный термин, обозначающий солдат, считающихся расходным материалом в бою, или, в более широком смысле, людей, которых рассматривают как одноразовый ресурс в конфликте или сложной ситуации.

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.

   Пушечное мясо

   • 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.

   Пушечное мясо

   • 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.