List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Building blocks: On the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Building blocks: On the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan”

The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan has shown that the group remains committed to its founding principles of fostering cooperation among emerging economies. The summit sought to turn the tide against the dominance of Western-led institutions by offering alternative platforms for global governance. Many BRICS members believe that existing institutions are biased towards the old guard, which comprises developed Western nations that have historically controlled the global economic order.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the summit, tried to allay concerns that BRICS could become a divisive organization. Instead, he emphasized that the group’s focus is on building bridges among member states and other nations. In his speech, he stated that no solutions are found on the battlefield, reiterating India’s preference for diplomacy over conflict. The summit provided a stage for discussions on various thorny issues, including the long-standing border disputes between India and China.

Talks on resolving the Doklam standoff were held on the side-lines of the summit, indicating a willingness for dialogue despite ongoing tensions. The event also afforded a stage for discussions on broader global issues such as climate change, trade barriers, and development funding. While some Western analysts have mocked the idea of BRICS as a counter-balancing force, the group's influence continues to grow, making it a key player in shaping global policies.

1.  Turn the tide

• Meaning: To reverse a negative situation or change the direction of an event.
• Example: "BRICS aims to turn the tide of global governance by creating alternatives to Western-dominated structures."

2.  Old guard

• Meaning: The established or traditional leaders who have been in power for a long time.
• Example: "Many BRICS members believe that current global institutions favor the old guard of Western nations."

3.  Allay concerns

• Meaning: To reduce or calm fears or worries.
• Example: "Prime Minister Modi tried to allay concerns about BRICS being a divisive organization."

4.  No solutions on the battlefield

• Meaning: Complex issues cannot be resolved through conflict alone but require dialogue and negotiation.
• Example: "Modi emphasized that there are no solutions on the battlefield, advocating for diplomacy and dialogue."

5.  Thorny issues

• Meaning: Difficult or complicated problems that are hard to resolve.
• Example: "The BRICS summit provided a platform to discuss thorny bilateral issues among its members."

6.  Side-lines

• Meaning: Occurring outside the main event or in a less formal setting.
• Example: "The discussions on the Doklam standoff took place on the side-lines of the BRICS summit."

7.  Afford a stage

• Meaning: To provide an opportunity or platform for expression or discussion.
• Example: "The BRICS summit affords member countries a stage to voice their views on global issues."

8.  Mocked

• Meaning: Ridiculed or dismissed as insignificant.
• Example: "The idea of BRICS as a counter-balancing arrangement cannot be mocked given its growing influence."