scorched earth

Frequency: 5.95.1 per million words

Ground that has been burned, e.g., by fire or the sun. Also used in 'scorched earth policy' (= to set fire to crops, buildings, etc.).

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Examples (20)

  • The retreating army implemented a scorched earth policy, leaving nothing for the enemy.
  • The retreating army employed a scorched earth policy to deny resources to the enemy.
  • After the wildfire, all that remained was scorched earth and the skeletons of trees.
  • Historically, the scorched earth tactic has been used to prevent invaders from benefiting from conquered land.
  • The wreckage from the crash was scattered across the scorched earth.
  • The prolonged conflict turned fertile lands into a scorched earth landscape.
  • In the corporate battle, they used scorched earth tactics to weaken their rival.
  • Facing imminent defeat, the defenders considered a scorched earth strategy.
  • The relentless sun had turned the once-fertile farmland into scorched earth.
  • Critics condemned the scorched earth campaign for its devastating impact on civilians.
  • His political campaign was a scorched earth strategy, designed to destroy his opponent's reputation completely.
  • The invaders found only a scorched earth, with all crops and infrastructure destroyed.
  • From the helicopter, the landscape below was a vast expanse of scorched earth following the volcanic eruption.
  • Some argue that a scorched earth approach can sometimes be a necessary evil in warfare.
  • During the legal dispute, the lawyer advised against a scorched earth approach as it would be costly for everyone.
  • The company's aggressive business practices were likened to a scorched earth policy, leaving competitors crippled.
  • Ancient tales spoke of dragons whose fiery breath left nothing but scorched earth in their wake.
  • Local residents were forced to implement a scorched earth defense, burning their own fields.
  • Facing bankruptcy, the desperate CEO initiated a scorched earth plan, selling off key assets.
  • The aftermath of the battle was a scene of utter destruction, a true scorched earth.