List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Revenue repercussions: On GST revenue trends

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “Revenue repercussions: On GST revenue trends”

The GST revenue trends for this financial year have been wobbly, with some months showing high collections while others fall short. The year started with a bang as revenues in April crossed ₹2 lakh crore, a historic first. However, this was punctuated by months of underwhelming growth, reflecting inconsistent economic activity.

To manage fiscal targets, the government has kept spending on a tight leash while aiming to ensure stable growth in GST collections. The latest GST receipts are seen as a good omen for the upcoming festive season, signaling positive consumption trends. However, a K-shaped situation is emerging, where luxury SUV sales are rising sharply, while other car categories have straddled the middle lane.

The GST Council is encouraged to expedite rate rationalisation to stimulate demand for high-tax items, which could further stabilize revenue.

1.  Wobbly trends

• Meaning: Unstable or inconsistent patterns.
• Example: "GST revenue trends have been considerably wobbly this financial year, with fluctuating highs and lows."

2.  Started with a bang

• Meaning: Began very strongly or impressively.
• Example: "The financial year started with a bang as GST revenues in April surpassed ₹2 lakh crore for the first time."

3.  On a tight leash

• Meaning: Strictly controlled or limited.
• Example: "Revenue and capital spending have been kept on a tight leash to meet fiscal targets."

4.  Punctuated by

• Meaning: Interrupted or marked at intervals.
• Example: "The high GST collections in certain months were punctuated by underwhelming numbers in others."

5.  Good omen

• Meaning: A positive sign for future outcomes.
• Example: "The latest GST receipts are seen as a good omen for the festive season’s consumption trends."

6.  K-shaped situation

• Meaning: A recovery pattern where different sectors or groups recover at different rates.
• Example: "Initial car sales data suggest a K-shaped situation, with luxury SUV sales rising while other categories remain stagnant."

7.  Straddled the middle lane

• Meaning: Maintained a moderate or average position without significant highs or lows.
• Example: "While SUV sales surged, other car sales straddled the middle lane, showing modest growth."

8.  Rate rationalisation

• Meaning: Adjusting tax rates to make them more reasonable or balanced.
• Example: "The GST Council should prioritize rate rationalisation to boost sales in high-tax sectors."