The Hindu Editorial (Smoke and mirrors) – Jul 04, 2023

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The Hindu Editorial (Smoke and mirrors) – Jul 04, 2023:

smoke and mirrors (phrase) – this expression is particularly in the contexts of politics and marketing. When you refer to the statement made by someone (politician/businessman) as being nothing more than ‘smoke and mirrors’, you are suggesting that the individual is distorting or obscuring the truth; that he is, in fact, lying. When you say that a politician’s argument is ‘smoke and mirrors’, you mean it lacks substance (meaning).
induction (noun) – swearing-in, introduction, admission, initiation, inauguration, appointment (of someone officially to a post/office).
tensions (noun) – strained relations, strain, unease.
finale (noun) – end, conclusion, termination.
intrigues (noun) – schemes, plots, tricks, tactics, plans.
go on (phrasal verb) – continue, carry on, last, persist, proceed.
splinter (verb) – split, break, disintegrate, separate.
patriarch (noun) – a powerful & eldest male head of a family or an organisation or a social system.
join hands with (phrase) – work together with.
sworn in past participle of swear in (phrasal verb) – take an oath to induct/admit into office, inaugurate, introduce (into office).
the Council of Ministers (noun) – the supreme executive organ in a government. The term is usually equivalent to the word “cabinet”.
hardly (adverb) – barely, almost not.
ongoing (adjective) – happening, occurring, continuing, in progress, under way, current.
Anti-defection law (noun) – The 10th Schedule to the Constitution, popularly referred to as the ‘Anti-Defection Law,’ was inserted by the 52nd Amendment in 1985. The grounds of disqualification are specified in Paragraph 2 of the 10th Schedule. A member would incur a disqualification under paragraph 2 (1) (a) when he “voluntarily gives up his membership of a party” and under 2 (1) (b) when he/she votes (or abstains from voting) contrary to the directive issued by the party.
in the event of something (phrase) – if something happens.
meltdown (noun) – collapse, decline, ruination.
in the middle (phrase) – in a difficult or unpleasant position.
territory (noun) – domain, area, field, sphere.
nephew (noun) – A nephew is the son of someone’s brother or sister. A niece is the daughter of the person’s brother or sister.
vow (verb) – affirm, commit oneself, assure, promise, swear, give one’s word.
take someone to task (phrase) – criticize, reprove, censure, lambast, reprimand, reproach.
defector (noun) – a person who abandons a cause or organization usually without right.
popular (adjective) – public.
splinter group (noun) – a small group, sector, wing of a larger one.
blessings (noun) – approval, consent, support, backing.
imply (verb) – say indirectly, point to, indicate, signal, suggest, hint.
tacit (adjective) – implied, indirect, understood, implicit, unexpressed, unvoiced.
perception (noun) – notion, belief, thought, understanding, interpretation, discernment.
embrace (noun) – acceptance, collaboration, agreement, understanding.
somersault (noun) – an instance (as in gymnastics) of rotating (jumping/rolling) one’s body 360 degree with someone’s feet going over one’s head; gymnastics, stunt, flip-flop.
dynastic (adjective) – relating to a dynasty (leaders who are all from the same family).
bandwagon (noun) – a popular activity/event that is currently become fashion.
stung past or past participle of sting (verb) – upset, distress, hurt, wound.
crossover (noun) – the method of attaining success in a different method; change from one situation to another; switchover.
long-standing (adjective) – continuing, long-lasting, enduring, long-term, dependable.
ally (noun) – partner, supporter, confederate.
short-lived (adjective) – brief, short, short-term, temporary.
assume (verb) – undertake, accept, shoulder, take on (power or responsibility).
configuration (noun) – arrangement, system, organization, disposition.
Assembly (noun) – Legislative Assembly/Vidhan Sabha; a legislative body in the states and union territories of India.
opportunism (noun) – expediency, exploitation, taking advantage, pragmatism, realism.
mother (noun as modifier) – founder, creator, originator.
faction (noun) – a group of people acting together within a larger group.
proceedings (noun) – lawsuit, litigation, legal proceedings, legal action.
in turn (phrase) – in succession, successively, sequentially.
seek (verb) – ask for, request, appeal for.
loyalist (noun) – supporter, admirer, champion.
splintering (noun) – breaking, separation, disunion, disintegration.
cast a shadow on/over (phrase) – to make people feel less happy, to make situation appear less good or hopeful; disappoint, let down, discourage, demoralize, wear down.
proponent (noun) – advocate, champion, supporter, promoter.
playbook (noun) – strategies.