List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Last mile woes: On inflation data and the challenges”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Last mile woes: On inflation data and the challenges”

India’s inflation data highlights some last mile woes in controlling price increases, despite significant efforts. Recent fluctuations threaten to undermine economic momentum, and the rebound in inflation has snapped a streak of relatively stable prices. Experts have pointed to spatial and temporal volatility in food and fuel prices, warning that the government cannot afford to look the other way.

Though progress has been made, policymakers still need to traverse a fair distance to ensure sustained growth. Meanwhile, price stability becomes muddied by the unpredictability of external factors like international trade tensions and climate change.

1.  Last mile woes

• Meaning: Challenges or difficulties faced at the final stage of a process, particularly when success seems close.

• Example: "The company's last mile woes in product delivery caused customer dissatisfaction despite all earlier efforts going smoothly."

2.  Undermine economic momentum

• Meaning: To weaken or destabilize the ongoing progress or growth of the economy.

• Example: "High inflation rates threaten to undermine economic momentum, making it harder for businesses to thrive."

3.  Rebound in inflation

• Meaning: A recovery or increase in inflation after a period of decline.

• Example: "The unexpected rebound in inflation surprised economists, leading to adjustments in forecasts."

4.  Snap a streak

• Meaning: To break a continuous sequence or trend, often a positive one.

• Example: "The team's winning streak was snapped by a last-minute goal from their rivals."

5.  Spatial and temporal volatility

• Meaning: Unpredictable changes in both location and time.

• Example: "The spatial and temporal volatility of the monsoon has made it difficult for farmers to plan their crops."

6.  Look the other way

• Meaning: To ignore or avoid dealing with a problem or issue.

• Example: "The government cannot afford to look the other way when it comes to rising food prices."

7.  Traverse a fair distance

• Meaning: To cover a significant amount of work or distance, often implying that there is still much to be done.

• Example: "Policymakers still have to traverse a fair distance to achieve stable economic growth."

8. Price stability becomes muddied

• Meaning: The outlook for maintaining stable prices becomes unclear or complicated.

• Example: "The sudden rise in oil prices muddied the government's efforts to ensure price stability."