List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Over the borderline: On the India-China deal”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Over the borderline: On the India-China deal”

The recent agreement between India and China on border disengagement offers hope for stabilizing ties, but caution is necessary.

India and China’s relations had ground to a halt since April 2020, when Chinese troops transgressed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The situation brimmed over with the deadly Galwan clashes in June 2020, resulting in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese casualties. Since then, both sides have been engaged in talks to restore the status quo ante, which was the position prior to the transgressions. While there were agreements to pull back troops at some friction points, others like Depsang and Demchok remain unresolved.

The latest deal between the two nations, reached during the 19th round of talks, has set the stage for the first formal meeting between their leaders in more than three years. It appears to address both sides' concerns without one seeming to concede too much. However, even as the deal has been welcomed by analysts, there are warnings that it must not open the floodgates to further disputes along the border. The steps agreed upon, while significant, should be seen as an opportunity to establish a broader modus vivendi for managing border relations, rather than a final settlement.

Critics caution against chest-thumping or portraying the agreement as a diplomatic victory. This is important, as similar behavior in the aftermath of the Doklam disengagement led to further tensions when China doubled down on its presence in the region shortly thereafter. For long-term stability, both nations need to proceed with caution and ensure that trust-building measures are consistent and reciprocal.

1.  Ground to a halt

• Meaning: To stop completely or come to a standstill.
• Example: "Bilateral relations between India and China had ground to a halt after the 2020 border transgressions."

2.  Brimmed over

• Meaning: To overflow with emotion, often anger or frustration.
• Example: "Anger in India brimmed over following the Galwan clashes that resulted in the loss of 20 soldiers."

3.  Set the stage

• Meaning: To prepare the environment or conditions for something to happen.
• Example: "The recent agreement set the stage for a possible formal meeting between the leaders of India and China."

4.  Snap ties

• Meaning: To break off or end relationships suddenly.
• Example: "Trade, travel, and visa ties were snapped between the two nations after the border clashes."

5.  Open the floodgates

• Meaning: To allow a situation to occur that leads to many similar events.
• Example: "Addressing the border issues in a transparent manner is essential to prevent opening the floodgates for similar disputes."

6.  Chest-thumping

• Meaning: Boastful or aggressive behavior, often used to show off strength or success.
• Example: "Premature chest-thumping after the Doklam disengagement should be avoided to ensure stable relations."

7.  Double down

• Meaning: To increase effort or commitment to a strategy, especially when facing opposition.
• Example: "China doubled down on its presence on the Doklam plateau following the initial disengagement."

8.  Proceed with caution

• Meaning: To act carefully and slowly, considering potential risks.
• Example: "Both sides should proceed with caution in their negotiations to avoid further conflict."

9.  Modus vivendi

• Meaning: A temporary arrangement or agreement that allows conflicting parties to coexist.
• Example: "The countries might need to establish a new modus vivendi to manage their border differences."