divide and conquer (or rule)
Meaning: gain an advantage over others by creating divisions.
Example: The plan today is to divide and conquer to complete our coursework. Read more ➺
Political
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chattering classes
Meaning: refers to the people who comment on events but have no power to influence them, such as journalists, broadcasters, or public figures.
Example: The royal baby's birth was a historic event and has recently become a trendy topic among the chattering classes. Read more ➺
lame duck
Meaning: a person or thing that is disabled, helpless, ineffective, or inefficient.
Example: Knowing she would be a lame duck, the mayor decided to resign from office early and retire. Read more ➺
conspiracy of silence
Meaning: general agreement to keep silent about a subject for the sake of secrecy.
Example: Healthcare professionals create a conspiracy of silence due to the fear of legal proceedings, corrective action, or punishment. Read more ➺
the corridors of power
Meaning: the office of a powerful leader.
Example: When Jim became a clerk to a Supreme Court justice, he thought he would get his foot inside the corridors of power. Read more ➺
call the shots
Meaning: to be in charge of what is happening and what should happen
Example: The policeman is the one who will call the shots during the political gatherings. Read more ➺
the buck stops here
Meaning: The responsibility for a situation or a problem with somebody.
Example: One does not need to blame anybody else for corruption in the republic of India; the buck stops with the leaders of the government of the world's biggest democratic nation. Read more ➺
buffer zone
Meaning: neutral zone between two or more areas
Example: The council proposed to plant some parkland as a buffer zone between the industrial estate and the new housing project. Read more ➺
drain the swamp
Meaning: rooting out the practice of corruption
Example: No matter how critical it is, Draining the swamps would be just about impossible unless we citizens take action against it in the union. Read more ➺
under fire
Meaning: being shot at
Example: The politician came under fire after it was discovered that he had spend campaign money on lavish parties. Read more ➺
