Collateral damage: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Collateral damage” mean?

"Collateral damage" means the unintended harm or damage caused to people or things that are not the intended target of a military or other violent action.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The bombing resulted in significant collateral damage to nearby buildings.

Example

During the war, many innocent civilians were killed as a result of collateral damage.

Example

The military operation aimed to minimize collateral damage to civilian infrastructure

Is “Collateral damage” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Collateral damage” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Collateral damage” effectively in context?

You can use "Collateral Damage" to refer to unintended harm or damage caused to innocent people or infrastructure as a result of a military operation or any other violent action. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:

• 1. War

  During the bombing, there was significant collateral damage to nearby buildings.

• 2. Conflict

  In the midst of the war, many innocent civilians were killed as a result of collateral damage.

• 3. Military Operations

  The military operation aimed to minimize collateral damage to civilian infrastructure.

Similar phrases to “Collateral damage”:

Unintended Consequences

Unexpected outcomes or effects that were not intended or foreseen

Example

The policy had unintended consequences that negatively affected the economy.

Side Effects

Unintended or secondary effects or consequences of a particular action or treatment

Example

The medication has some side effects that may cause drowsiness.

Innocent Bystanders

People who are not involved in a particular situation but are affected by it

Example

The shooting incident injured several innocent bystanders.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Collateral damage” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Collateral Damage" can be traced back to military terminology. It was first used in the context of warfare to describe unintended harm or damage caused to people or things that are not the intended target of a military action.

Is “Collateral damage” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Collateral Damage" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in discussions related to warfare, conflicts, or any situation where unintended harm or damage occurs.

What tone does “Collateral damage” have?

"Collateral Damage" conveys a tone of concern and empathy. It is often used to highlight the negative consequences of military actions or violence on innocent people or infrastructure.

Can “Collateral damage” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Collateral Damage" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is frequently used in discussions, debates, news reports, and academic contexts to describe unintended harm or damage caused by military or violent actions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The bombing resulted in significant collateral damage to nearby buildings.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'The operation caused collateral damage.'

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• unintended harm
• secondary damage
• indirect casualties
• non-target casualties
• unintentional destruction

Antonyms

• intended target
• direct hit
• primary objective
• focused attack
• deliberate action