1. scorched earth - Noun
2. scorched earth - Adjective
(military) Land that has been abandoned, in the face of an advancing enemy, after the destruction of all resources on it.
(military) The strategy of destroying all resources in an area of land in order to deny their use to an advancing enemy.
scorched earth (comparative more scorched earth, superlative most scorched earth)
Alternative spelling of scorched-earth
scorched-earth (not comparable)
Characterized by a desire to prevail at any cost.
The scorched-earth ad campaign directed at her opponent didn't win her many votes.
scorched-earth
Breakfast had been prepared by the kitchen maid, an indifferent performer who had used the scorched earth policy on the bacon again. P. G. Wodehouse
I only understand friendship or scorched earth. Roger Ailes
As Federals occupied the South, objections by loyal Confederate concerning Ranger horse-stealing and indiscriminate scorched earth tactics behind Union lines led to Congress abolishing the Ranger service two years later. Source: Internet
Feeling “arrogant” and convinced that “taking power was just around the corner”, the opposition switched to “a scorched earth policy”. Source: Internet
Hence, they gave the red no chance there, and could thus block their advance, a bit like in a scorched earth strategy. Source: Internet
For the next few years, Hannibal was forced to sustain a scorched earth policy and obtain local provisions for protracted and ineffectual operations throughout southern Italy. Source: Internet