Political Idioms

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drain the swamp

Meaning: To remove corruption, dishonesty, or bad people from a government or organization.

Example: The candidate promised to drain the swamp after years of corruption scandals in the capital. 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 ➺


too close to call

Meaning: a margin that is too close to determine a winner

Example: There are only a few minutes left in the match and it is too close to call. Read more ➺


Young Turk

Meaning: a young person who has many new ideas and wants a reform

Example: Dan Mannix is one of the investment industry's Young Turks but his contact book bulges with seasoned veterans. Read more ➺


yesterday’s man

Meaning: A person, especially a politician, whose time of influence, fame, or power has passed.

Example: After the election defeat, the veteran senator was widely considered a yesterday's man, his political career effectively over. Read more ➺


banana republic

Meaning: A country with a weak government and an economy dependent on a single export or foreign interests.

Example: The nation's dependence on one cash crop caused some observers to describe it as a banana republic. Read more ➺


back door

Meaning: An indirect or secret way of achieving something.

Example: The deal was completed through a back door arrangement that few people knew about. Read more ➺


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