List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Pointing the beacon at India’s undersea warfare capabilities”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Pointing the beacon at India’s undersea warfare capabilities”

The article points the beacon at India’s evolving undersea warfare capabilities, emphasizing the commissioning of nuclear submarines and the development of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). These advancements are expected to add value to India’s strategic deterrence and open up new vistas in maritime defense.

With aging submarines being phased out, India must fill the void by accelerating projects like Project 75(I). However, the long-drawn nature of procurement processes and the gestation period required for submarine construction pose significant challenges. The coordination of these efforts in tandem with other naval assets is symbolic of India’s aspiration to build a comprehensive blue water navy.

While some initiatives have been delayed, the steady progress in these areas augurs well for India’s maritime strategy, ensuring that its projects will reach their logical conclusion in the coming years.

1.       Pointing the beacon at

o    Meaning: Drawing attention to or highlighting a particular issue or area.

o    Example: "The article points the beacon at India’s growing undersea warfare capabilities."

2.      Add value to

o    Meaning: To improve or enhance the worth or effectiveness of something.

o    Example: "The commissioning of INS Arighaat adds value to the third leg of India’s nuclear triad."

3.      Open up new vistas

o    Meaning: To create new opportunities or possibilities.

o    Example: "The induction of nuclear submarines opens up new vistas for India's naval operations."

4.      Fill the void

o    Meaning: To replace something that is missing or lacking.

o    Example: "The commissioning of Scorpene-class submarines will help fill the void left by retiring older boats."

5.      Reach its logical conclusion

o    Meaning: To arrive at an outcome that makes sense based on the existing circumstances.

o    Example: "Project 75(I) is expected to reach its logical conclusion after technical evaluations are completed."

6.     Symbolic of

o    Meaning: Representing or indicative of a larger concept or idea.

o    Example: "The UUV project is symbolic of India’s focus on niche undersea technologies."

7.      In tandem with

o    Meaning: Together or in coordination with something else.

o    Example: "India’s undersea strategy is being developed in tandem with surface and aviation forces."

8.     Augur well

o    Meaning: To indicate a positive or favorable outcome.

o    Example: "Collaborating with strategic partners augurs well for India’s maritime ambitions."

9.     Long-drawn

o    Meaning: Prolonged or extended over a long period.

o    Example: "Long-drawn budgetary issues have delayed naval modernization projects."

10.  Gestation period

• Meaning: The time taken to develop a project from inception to completion.
• Example: "Naval projects often require a long gestation period before they are commissioned."